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Paradigm Provides Welfare Communications For Early- Entry Troops In Iraq
Paradigm Services Ltd has developed a new portable satellite data communication package, TextLink, to enable deployed British soldiers to communicate directly with family and friends using the global Iridium satellite network.
Paradigm developed the TextLink satellite communication system under contract with the UK Ministry of Defence to provide welfare communications for early-entry troops deployed in areas where other communication infrastructure is not available. Soldiers in the field can use the portable, lightweight TextLink terminals to send and receive e-mails, SMS short text messages, both Royal Mail and BFPO postal letters, as well as providing the very latest daily news in text format.
Each TextLink package consists of one hardened flight case containing one Iridium 9505 satellite phone and two ruggedized laptop computers. As a minimum, two packages are deployed to create a wireless local-area network. One of the laptops serves as a local server and is connected to one of the Iridium 9505 satphones. The other laptops are deployed within the range of the wireless connection around the camp for troops to use. The second Iridium satphone provides backup and can be used for voice calls as needed. The system compresses and bundles emails, SMS messages and letters for transmission through the Iridium satellites at regular intervals.
"We designed TextLink to be easy to use with very little training and maintenance, making it ideal for scenarios ranging from early-entry forces to reconnaissance missions," said Peter Bruton, Managing Director of Paradigm Services Ltd. "The system incorporates the latest technologies to provide a light, robust and resilient service for rapid deployment. We use compression, intelligent dialing, store-and-forward, full-duplex operation and interactive account management techniques to provide a highly cost-effective service."
Greg Ewert, Executive Vice President of Iridium Satellite, said, "We are proud to be able to provide vital welfare communications for British troops deployed around the world. Iridium's global coverage, robust data services and lightweight mobile user equipment are ideal for this application."
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