This Article is From Mar 14, 2011

IAF air warriors to get 3G connectivity

New Delhi: Reaping the benefits of the Air Force Network (AFNET) communication system it launched last year, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will launch an exclusive 3G wireless service in June that will enable its officers and air warriors up to the rank of sergeant stay connected 24x7.

The latest value-added service on a wideband CDMA-based 3G portable network, using state-of-the-art mobile communication technology, will be integrated into AFNET, which will be the backbone of the connectivity, an IAF press release said Monday.

"The new 3G service will be a secure communication network enabling voice, data, video streaming and file sharing, enhancing real-time operational efficiency," the release said.

Under the new captive 3G mobile network, all IAF officers and airmen up to the rank of sergeant will be provided a high-end handset to begin with. This will help connectivity of each individual with the system and enable cross-connectivity with other communication platforms like Internet Protocol-based communication within AFNET.

"In the first phase, the network will be operational in the Delhi area within six months. In the second phase, the network will be in place for all remaining air force establishments across the country by 2013," he said.

The 3G network, with transportable mobile base stations, will enable communications even from remote locations.
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