TS2 Satellite Technologies has completed the tender documentation for JCC-I/A and a satellite network project for the Marines new bases in Afghanistan. The government contract concerns establishing and maintaining full communication in new locations for two years for all soldiers stationed there. The USA are going to transfer 4.5 thousand Marines from Iraq to Afghanistan as early as at the beginning of 2009.

President Bush has obtained the necessary recommendations from the most important representatives of civil and military authorities in the Pentagon. An official decision should be taken soon. Future actions concern a transfer of an army brigade and a Marines battalion in a total number of 4500 soldiers. According to military commanders, to provide successful protection against the Taliban actions the needs are even greater.

“We were among the first telecommunications operators in the satellite technology in the territory of Iraq and Afghanistan and as such we have enjoyed a successful cooperation with the US Army for several years now. The Afghan project could be another big government order in the company’s history” – says Marcin Frąckiewicz, CEO of the TS2 Technologie Satelitarne. “Our military network in Iraq has already over 10 thousand regular users for everyday broadband connections” – adds Frąckiewicz.

TS2 specializes in providing global satellite communication services in areas with poor telecommunications infrastructure. Its basic transmission medium is a two way transfer of data which provides not only the Internet access and transfer of information within the network but also voice communications. This type of services is very often used by defense industries, Special Forces and Army.

TS2 communication among the bases is possible thanks to the simultaneous lease of bands on the Intelsat 10-02, Intelsat 901 and ArabSat Badr-4 satellites whose coverage enables configuration of connections between any place in Europe, Middle East and Southwest Asia. TS2 additionally equips its customers with Thuraya and Iridium satellite telephones which are often the only means of communication in this region of the world.

TS2 provides telecommunication services for the United States Marine Corps as well as for the Iraq police training institutions in the following locations: West Ramadi, Warrar, Tal-Aswad, Saqlawiyah / Saqlawiah, Rutbah, Rumanah, Ramadi District HQ, Qatanna, Mulaab, Kubaisa, Khaladiah, Karmah, Jazeera, Hit, Haqlaniyah, Hamdiyah, Habbaniyah, Forsan, Ferris, East Ramadi, Barwannah, Anah, Ameriayah and Al Qaim. 

The provider of the new network for the Marines is to be selected by the end of 2008 within the applicable procedures of JCC-I/A (the Joint Contracting Command-Iraq/Afghanistan).

The most significant clients of TS2 Technologie Satelitarne include: the United States Marine Corps (USMC), the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Australian Defense Forces (ADF), the Polish Navy Headquarters, GROM Operational Mobile Reaction Group, the First Special Commando Regiment from Lubliniec, Lockheed Martin Information Technology, Halliburton Energy Services, KBR, General Dynamics Information Technology, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, US Naval Research Laboratory, ITT Corporation Aerospace / Communications Division, Technest Holdings / EOIR Technologies, North Eastern Aeronautical Company (Neany), EchoStorm Worldwide, Jorge Scientific Corporation, Erinys International and Aegis Iraq.

Largest satellite military networks are in:

FOB Iskan, Iskandariyah
FOB Orgun-E
Camp Taji / FOB Bennett
FOB Hammer / Butler Range Complex
Camp Striker BIAP / Baghdad Airport
COB / FOB Speicher / Tikrit Airbase / FOB Summerall
Camp Habbaniyah
LSA Adder / Tallil Air Base
PRT Sharana
Kandahar Airfield / Tarin Kowt
Camp Ramadi / Camp Blue Diamond / Camp Junction City
Camp / FOB Warrior / Kirkuk
FOB Bagram / Bagram Air Base
FOB Waza Khwa
FOB Normandy
Al Taqaddum Airbase
Camp Echo / Ad Diwaniyah
Camp / FOB Bucca / Umm Qasr
FOB Marez / Mosul / LSA Diamondback
Camp Slayer / Baghdad Airport
International Zone / Baghdad
Camp Liberty / Baghdad
Camp Victory South
FOB Sykes
LSA Anaconda / Balad Airbase / FOB Paliwoda
FOB Endurance, Q-West / Qayyarah Airfield West
Camp Fallujah
FOB Falcon, Baghdad / Rasheed Airbase
Camp Al Asad
Camp Arifjan, Kuwait
CSC Scania
FOB Solerno / FOB Salerno
Al Kasik Military Base
Camp Duke / Najaf
FOB Prosperity

Supported military locations in Iraq
Supported military locations in Afgahanistan

TS2 News of 21.05.2007 Internet for the US Army soldiers in Iraq

VSAT satellite Internet in Iraq and Afghanistan

Purchased bands gives TS2 unlimited possibilities of configuration and setting any telecommunication connections from the Near East region and South-Western Asia. The broadband service offer two-way high-speed Internet access with no phone lines, no cable, no dial-up modem. It’s always online, available virtually anywhere, and affordable. The offered satellite system is ideally suited for broadband requirements such as Internet and VPN access to enterprise networks, as well as real-time VoIP and video conferencing.

The Internet connection can be shared with other users via wireless or wired network. Most soldiers deploy with a laptop in hand and a hookup to the Internet in their barracks. This is especially important for the many who are married, and have young children. The Internet access has resulted in major morale improvements. Troops no longer feel cut off from home. Not all the Internet connectivity is just for staying in touch with the folks back home. The troops in Afghanistan also use the Internet for professional tasks — some troops blog, and many other stay in touch with military friends and associates in other parts of the world. The Internet has made possible many online communities composed of military professionals. Without the new satellite system, large numbers of soldiers would be without regular communications for much or most of their time in Afghanistan.

Eutelsat’s W6 (formerly W3) satellite is located at 21.5 degrees East and features 28 simultaneously active transponders. This satellite is ideal for applications such as VSAT networks, broadband Internet and data broadcasting. It is most suitable for companies that require communications between Europe, North Africa, the Sahara, the Middle East and the Gulf region. The EUROBIRD 4, also called as EB4, is one of Eutelsat’s satellites that provides coverage from 4 degrees East for Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and central Asia in Ku-band frequencies.

These types of telecommunication products are mainly used by the companies that execute contracts in Asia, as well as by the soldiers that are stationed in Afghanistan. Purchased bands gives TS2 unlimited possibilities of configuration and setting any telecommunication connections from the Near East region and South-Western Asia.

The broadband service offer two-way high-speed Internet access with no phone lines, no cable, no dial-up modem. It’s always online, available virtually anywhere, and affordable. The offered satellite system is ideally suited for broadband requirements such as Internet and VPN access to enterprise networks, as well as real-time VoIP and video conferencing.

The Internet connection can be shared with other users via wireless or wired network. Most soldiers deploy with a laptop in hand and a hookup to the Internet in their barracks. This is especially important for the many who are married, and have young children. The Internet access has resulted in major morale improvements. Troops no longer feel cut off from home.

Not all the Internet connectivity is just for staying in touch with the folks back home. The troops in Afghanistan use the Internet a lot for professional tasks, and not all of them are official business. Some troops blog, and many other stay in touch with military friends and associates in other parts of the world. The Internet has made possible many online communities composed of military professionals.

Without the new satellite system, large numbers of Soldiers will be without regular communications for much or most of their time in Afghanistan. The infrastructure is Spartan to non-existent.

More information on http://www.ts2.pl/en/Internet-in-Iraq-and-Afghanistan

Eutelsat’s W6 (formerly W3) satellite is located at 21.5 degrees East featuring 28 simultaneously active transponders. This satellite is ideal for applications such as VSAT networks, broadband Internet and data broadcasting. It is most suitable for companies that require communications between Europe, North Africa, the Sahara, the Middle East and the Gulf region.

The EUROBIRD 4, also called as EB4, is Eutelsat’s one of the satellites that provides coverage from 4 degrees East of Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and central Asia in Ku-band frequencies.

TS2 Satellite Technologies specializes in providing global satellite access services. Our core business is broadband access to the Internet in areas with poor telecommunications infrastructure and mobile satellite phones communication. The main medium of used transmission is a two-way satellite transfer system, which provides good access to the satellite network in even the least accessible areas. It not only provides a broadband connection but also a wide range of additional data and voice services.

Website: http://www.ts2.pl

The most popular satellite service in Somalia is a broadband two-way satellite transfer system (VSAT), which provides quality access to the internet in even the least accessible areas. It not only provides an internet connection but also a wide range of additional services.

‘We provide secure and encrypted satellite connections particularly for the military sector, for any military units, literally in any part of the world, on the national firing ground and during all international trainings.’ – said Marcin Frąckiewicz, CEO of TS2. He also added: ‘We have mobile and stationary solutions dedicated to work in difficult conditions’.

TS2 provides in Somalia following services: two way internet broadband access, VSAT Private Network, broadcasting services, SCPC/SCPC, SCPC/DVB, MESH services, STAR/DAMA, VSAT Mini Hub Solution, VNO and many more.

TS2 provides in Somalia also new mobile services. BGAN deliver seamless network coverage across most of the world’s landmass. Users are able to get broadband wherever they go, not just in major cities or airports. BGAN is currently accessible in Somalia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, North and South America.

http://www.ts2.pl/en/Satellite-Internet/Somalia

The Internet connection can be shared with other soldiers via wireless or wired network. Most soldiers deploy with a laptop in hand and a hookup to the Internet in their barracks. This is especially important for the many who are married, and have young children. The Internet access has resulted in major morale improvements. Troops no longer feel cut off from home.

iDirect is the industry leader in satellite-based broadband access solutions delivering all the benefits of high speed IP networking beyond the constraints of traditional landline networks. Developed specifically to meet the communication needs of satellite customers, iDirect powered networks deliver the speed, performance and flexibility to fulfill the most demanding requirements of today’s end users – anywhere.

The one iDirect Infinity system provides following services:

* Broadband access to the internet (www, e-mail, ftp etc.)
* Data transfer
* Access to application programs
* Telephone connections including VoIP, IP phone
* Video-conference connections
* The transfer of data, or image to many other users simultaneously

Advantages of the system:

* Short set-up time, (1-2 weeks for a system)
* Fast and easy upgrades
* Possibility of guaranteed CIR
* Transmission in almost all weather conditions
* Cheap and quick delivery of equipment to Iraq and Afghanistan (5-7 days)

TS2 provides in the Middle East & North African region following services: two way internet broadband access, VSAT Private Network, broadcasting services, SCPC/SCPC, SCPC/DVB, MESH services, STAR/DAMA, VSAT Mini Hub Solution, VNO and many more…

The most popular satellite service in Yemen is a broadband two-way satellite transfer system (VSAT), which provides quality access to the internet in even the least accessible areas. It not only provides an internet connection but also a wide range of additional services. It is an ideal solution, if you want to start personal communication or local network in your new location. TS2 provides in Yemen following services: two way internet broadband access, VSAT Private Network, broadcasting services, SCPC/SCPC, SCPC/DVB, MESH services, STAR/DAMA, VSAT Mini Hub Solution, VNO and many more.

TS2 provides in Yemen new mobile services. BGAN deliver seamless network coverage across most of the world’s landmass. Users are able to get broadband wherever they go, not just in major cities or airports. BGAN is currently accessible in Yemen, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, North and South America.

TS2 provides also voice commnication in Yemen via global Iridium network.

Iridium is the only provider of truly global satellite voice and data communications solutions with complete coverage of the entire Earth. Featuring handheld phones weighing less than 270g, global coverage is provided by 66 low-earth-orbiting satellites, which allows users to make and receive calls virtually anywhere in the world, all you need is a clear line of site to the sky.

Iridium 9555 is the latest evolution in our rugged and reliable satellite phones – and it works everywhere. Without exception, also in Yemen.

TS2 Satellite Technologies

WBJ: US Marine Corps, US Army Corps of Engineers, GROM and many more… How did you manage to gain these impressive contracts?

Marcin Frąckiewicz: To answer I need to go back to the beginning. During my trips to Iraq I noticed that ordinary American soldiers, different from Polish, had literally no access to the internet or cell-phones to get in touch with their loved ones. This is when we started to offer them a wireless internet access via satellite. Groups of soldiers pooled money to buy our terminals. They referred us to their colleagues from next contingents and so on. Popularity among regular soldiers brought inquiries from official US institutions, and this is how we were allowed to those big tenders with government orders and with contractors for the US Army. US Army Corps of Engineers bought around 100 BGAN terminals – these are smaller than laptops, but are more expensive than over-sized VSAT access equipment. However, individual soldiers still remain our most important customers.

WBJ: How many customers does your company have? Are these just military?

MF: It is a list of about 50-60 institutional customers, not only military, but also private companies that use our VSAT internet access. With our partner we provide services for nine US embassies in Africa. The number of individual soldiers using our services in Iraq and Afghanistan is around 15,000. Non-military customers include Agora, for example, which equips its foreign correspondents with satellite phones. World Bank also uses our phone services. This customer list comprises several hundred.

WBJ: How you make your services competitive?

MF: Price is the key. We cooperate with cheap middleman and also directly with satellite operators. We buy services in Dubai, where our partners’ warehouses and distributors of the equipment are located. It is also a tax-free zone, so here go another costs. We have partner install teams on site in the Middle East, so we are able to set up the VSAT access very quickly.

Our company tries to minimize the operation costs, hence our small office and a large network of partners. This is a business, where you win by knowledge rather than by building a big structure.

MP: Will you suffer from recently announced spending cuts at the Defense Ministry?

MF: I doubt it. 85 percent of our orders go abroad. Of course there will be fewer government tenders and the competition will grow. So we have to expect fewer orders for our satellite phones in Poland. Plus some contracts for internet access may not be renewed.

WBJ: What will you do when the American troops withdraw from Iraq then?

MF: From the business point of view obviously we are not looking forward to US pulling out, as most of our activity is based on the US Army presence in the Middle East. We would need to come up with a solution to reorganize our business. But there would still be corporate customers left for us.

WBJ: How do you see the future of this sector?

MF: We are anxiously awaiting launching of the Ka-Sat scheduled for 2010. The aim of this project is to make satellite access services cheap enough for ordinary Kowalski to make use of it. The prices of bands are to drop ten times, while the equipment is also expected to cost a few hundred złoty rather than several thousands. Our company would also like to get involved in this new offer, because it will help us target individual customers.

About TS2 Satellite Provider

TS2 specializes in providing global satellite access services. Our core business is broadband access to the Internet in areas with poor telecommunications infrastructure and mobile satellite phones communication. The main medium of used transmission is a two-way satellite transfer system, which provides good access to the satellite network in even the least accessible areas. It not only provides a broadband connection but also a wide range of additional data and voice services.

Before end of 2008 year, the TS2 solutions have been implemented for United States Marine Corps (USMC), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Australian Defence Force (ADF), Command of Polish Navy, Polish National Police, Polish National Headquarters of the State Fire Services, Border Guard (Poland), World Bank Group, Lockheed Martin Information Technology, Halliburton Energy Services, KBR, General Dynamics Information Technology, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, US Naval Research Laboratory, ITT Corporation – Aerospace / Communications Division, CACI Technologies, ARINC Incorporated, North Eastern Aeronautical Company (Neany), Warsaw Stock Exchange, Polish Supreme Chamber of Control, Polish State Railways PKP S.A., University of Warsaw, Reuters, TVP – Polish TV, PAP – Polish Press Agency, BMW – Bayerische Motoren Werke, DaimlerChrysler, IBM – International Business Machines Corporation, HP – Hewlett-Packard, Carrefour, Colgate-Palmolive, PGNiG – Polish Petroleum and Gas Mining, White&Case, Sun Microsystems, PMM – Polish Medical Mission, UPS – United Parcel Service and Polish Medical Air Rescue.