Mil-Tech

Hughes MWR Satellite Services in Afghanistan and Iraq

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite networks and services, has expanded provision of high-speed satellite Internet access for U.S. troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Available at U.S. military bases, the broadband Internet service is being delivered via the company’s new operations hub in Dubai, enabling troops to stay in touch with family and friends at home, including sending photos and videos, connecting over social networking sites and making VoIP telephone calls.

Hughes is proud to provide high-speed Internet service to our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, reinforcing the military’s Morale, Welfare & Recreation [MWR] efforts in the region.

Hughes has been providing broadband satellite terminals throughout the region since 2003, and the additional bandwidth and resources from its new Dubai-based hub now enables Hughes to connect even more men and women of the military with their loved ones at home while they serve our country overseas.

“Hughes is proud to provide high-speed Internet service to our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, reinforcing the military’s Morale, Welfare & Recreation [MWR] efforts in the region,” said Rick Lober, vice president and general manager of Hughes Defense and Intelligence Systems Division. “Staying connected with spouses, children, extended family, and friends is essential for our troops’ morale, especially as they often are deployed overseas for a year or more.”

Payam Herischi, senior director of Hughes Global Services added, “Hughes has been providing broadband satellite terminals throughout the region since 2003, and the additional bandwidth and resources from our new Dubai-based hub now enables us to connect even more men and women of the military with their loved ones at home while they serve our country overseas.”

Hughes high-speed satellite internet service is available at U.S. military bases in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait, with local installation and logistics support provided by partner companies in the region.

US soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq offered Internet service

Soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq are being offered an Internet service primarily aimed at companies in Asia. The new service offers high-speed Internet access with out the need for phone lines, cable or dial-up modem.

TS2 Satellite Technologies company is using satellites to power their Internet service.

For soldiers deployed to the war zones this service can allow for communications back home. Many of the soldiers arrive in Afghanistan and Iraq with their own lap top hoping to stay in contact with loved ones. The troops can connect with the service when they are in their barracks.

Not everyone though in the service is just using the Internet to stay close with family some are using it to blog and stay in touch with their business associates in the US.

Having that connect with family and those at home have upped the morale of the troops.

New DOD Satellite System

The Army’s planned satellite frequency changeover from Ku to the Ka-band may seem insignificant; however, this small change represents a multibillion dollar transition.

Since 2000 the U.S. Department of Defense has been in the process of purchasing and deploying the new military Wideband Global Satellite Communication satellites previously known as the wideband gapfiller satellite system, a high-capacity communication satellite for the sole purpose of augmenting the X-band communications now provided by the Defense Satellite Communications System. In the interim, the government has been renting commercial Ku satellite bands at a heavy price.

Lt. Gen. Steven W. Boutelle (ret.), the Army’s former chief information officer, recently told a conference that a lack of military satellite capacity resulted in the DoD spending one billion dollars in 2007 on commercial satellite leases.

The Ka-band changeover represents a huge step by the Defense Department in their investment in a DoD-only satellite network. This new satellite network will save American taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars a year as well as provide more bandwidth and flexibility to its military users where ever they find themselves.

The Ka-band allows improved network communications for more reliable and more mobile communication systems on the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Communication is critical to U.S. Department of Defense operations and the move to the Ka frequency highlights a large step in achieving DoD satellite self-sufficiency, increased networking capabilities and a move towards more fiscally responsible spending.