...US Troops In The Middle East

New high speed VSAT network providing the highest possible transmission throughput and efficiency for a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) network service

SINT-NIKLAAS, Belgium, 15 October 2013  Satellite communications specialist Newtec and US commercial Internet service provider SniperHill have deployed new satellite technology to provide increased throughput and service availability for Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) networks on US and NATO bases in Afghanistan.

The solution is enabling SniperHill, which is part of the DHI Telecom Group, to manage capacity and deliver increased throughput with dynamic allocation, shaping and prioritization to multiple sites across a hybrid network of terrestrial optical fiber, wireless, satellite and microwave.

“From early on we found the harsh operating environments in Afghanistan and Iraq were not suitable for standard enterprise solutions. Bringing in Newtec has lowered our OPEX and enabled us to manage bandwidth at more efficient levels, whilst providing an even more robust service,” said Wallace Davis, President of SniperHill.

The Newtec EL501 Hub has been installed at SniperHill’s partner teleport facility in Germany operated by the CETel Group. From its location there, it enables high throughput networks over satellite to operate at several locations across the Middle East for MWR programs including Internet WiFi access for deployed US and NATO troops, contractors and personnel at FOrward Bases (FOB), camps and airfields.

“We are proud that CETel’s services support DHI's operations in the long-term. The cooperation and alliance between DHI and CETel Group along with the specifically implemented Newtec equipment for efficient satellite based C- and Ku-Band services will allow both parties to provide more reliable and cost effective services throughout the corresponding coverage zones,” said Martin Terlunen, Managing Director of the CETel Group.

Over the past several years DHI has integrated and deployed Newtec technology into its solutions on a number of different occasions. In this instance the technology was selected particularly for its FlexACM® and Clean Channel Technology®.

“In 2009 we were able to increase capacity for SniperHill in Iraq and turn 74 Mbps into 97 Mbps. Now, with this even more extensive implementation (146 Mbps forward, 32 Mbps back) of our latest technologies, we are helping to make it the most efficient network possible, which is required given the harsh operating conditions in the region,” said Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec.   

On Wednesday 23 October 2013 Newtec will host close to the NATO headquarters in Brussels, a Government and Defense seminar on the topic of satellite communications, efficiency and best practices in this market. SniperHill is presenting a reference case next to other experts from the industry. For the full details visit www.newtec.eu/article/news/government-and-defense-seminar-brussels.