In January 2008 we signed a four-year contract with the AAFES to provide wireless internet (transfer rate of 128 kbps upload / 256 kbps download) to US military personnel and eligible civilians residing at the living quarters of Joint Base Balad, Baghdad (approximately 30,000 people). To deliver these services, the Iraqi NCMC issued us an exclusive right to use the 2.4 Ghz and the upper 5.7Ghz frequencies on the base. Though initially the project started off as a completely wireless endeavor, it has evolved to a hybrid microwave, 802.11a/g, and wired network.

We provide service by contracting with Globecomm Systems Inc, the premier satellite communications provider, to provide internet services over a network architecture that we designed, installed, and altered to meet the unique challenges of providing service at Joint Base Balad. AAFES has contracted with us to provide internet services to military and civilian users for 256/128 Kbps of unlimited bandwidth at a contention ration of 40:1.

Eventually AAFES plans to offer a customized 'Triple Play' type of services (internet, TV and Voice, both land line and wireless). Under this concept, we would provide all services to AAFES Babtel would provide, install and maintain the network infrastructure. The customers' telephone numbers and email addresses would be portable globally. Any TV services provided would include US programming. Triple Play is to be provided to on-base residents-both in barracks and dorms as well as family housing. Last mile infrastructure is to be provided via copper, coax, or wireless, as needed to reach the customer and is expected to access the fiber optic backbone via our IP network.