New African TAC-PAK Mobile Command Centers Deploy VSAT Satellite Terminals For Fast, Portable High Speed Voice/Data Transmission

Multiple African military, peacekeeping and First Responders deploy VSAT satellite terminals from 308 Systems

FORT COLLINS, Colorado, November 7, 2014/ -- Multiple African military, peacekeeping and First Responders deploy VSAT satellite terminals from 308 Systems as a pivotal technology in ensuring fast, effective responses during critical missions.

Communication always plays a vital role in the completion of missions throughout the African continent. Imagine the necessity of swift and accurate data transmission during military actions or disaster response within countries such as Angola, Chad, Nigeria, and South Africa.

Photo:  (TAC-PAK Mobile Command System)

Previously, African military and humanitarian personnel have found themselves trying to communicate in the midst of total terrestrial chaos and destruction using legacy radio systems and outdated command infrastructure. Given a recent flare-up of hostilities in many regions, military operations in Ethiopia, Ghana and Sudan recognized the need for more command resources in the remote, communications sterile locations - and deployed TAC-PAK/VSAT(Very Short Aperture Terminals) satcom mobile command systems.

These custom-configured “mobile command in a box” TAC-PAK/VSAT systems, manufactured by 308 Systems Inc in Fort Collins , Colorado, and supported in Africa by local partners, are follow-on to previously deployed systems. The new systems were custom-configured to meet specific mission field communication requirements, including linking field radios to cell phones and computers throughout the country.  From the base operations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, one General said “These systems are like gold out in the field.”

Military and peacekeeping mission completion is easier said than done due to the fluid and remote nature of each operation, and the presence of ravaged infrastructure. Swift, reliable and precise communication is critical, yet tough to attain in remote or devastated terrain. However, the recent deployment of TAC-PAK/VSAT technology from 308 Systems enabled the military forces in Ethiopia, Ghana and Sudan to communicate quickly and precisely.

With multiple form factors and VSAT data rates up to 6mbps, this TAC-PAK/VSAT flyaway kit combination provided spectacular deployment flexibility, operated anywhere with great efficiency, and is packaged in a rugged, small, and highly portable form factor easily loaded into a pickup truck or similar deploying vehicle.  This effectively turned any local vehicle into a “Mobile Command Center”.

This extensive Mobile Command/VSAT lineup represents the latest state-of-the-art high bandwidth mobile command /communication solutions from 308 Systems.  Additional products such as the SATPAK wireless relay systems, can be combined to ensure teams or organizations have reliable satcom and radio signal access from anywhere, including previously signal blocked areas such as mountain valleys, tunnels and urban canyon buildings. 

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization)

SkyVision wins 5-year contract with South Atlantic Petroleum, a leading Nigerian oil & gas provider, to install and manage its corporate voice and data services

HERTFORDSHIRE, UK, February 12, 2014/ -- SkyVision Global Networks Ltd., a leading global communications provider, today announced the successful implementation of its project with SAPETRO (South Atlantic Petroleum), one of Nigeria’s major oil and gas upstream companies with new operations in Benin, which includes the installation of a full suite of SkyVision connectivity solutions in Benin and the ongoing management of the project. The 5-year contract consists of an end-to-end voice and data managed solution, based on multiple technologies, integration and professional services, creating unique value to customer operations. The project includes mesh VSAT and wireless point to multipoint connections for Sapetro’s offices and operational sites, mobile terrestrial units and vessels, coupled with the integration of SkyVision services, including Voice and Telephony over IP, two-way radios, mobile satellite phones, managed firewall and WiFi.

As a leading oil and gas upstream company with operations in Benin, SAPETRO’s expertise includes oil and gas exploration with extensive development and production assets in the region. The company is recognized for its activities in sub-Saharan Africa underlined by its strong platform in Nigeria, the Republic of Benin and offshore East Africa.

This partnership marks an important milestone for SkyVision and furthers SkyVision’s commitment to the oil and gas industry in Africa, one of the company’s main focus areas.

Today, oil and gas business highly depends on reliable connectivity, in the field, and between remote branch offices. With crew safety as the industry’s #1 priority, SkyVision knows and understands that reliable information flow in both routine and emergency situations is the key to ensuring smooth, seamless and safe operations.

SkyVision’s tailored solutions for the oil and gas industry are backed by the company’s strong local presence through its local offices and partners across Africa. Its global infrastructure and 24/7 Technical Assistance Centers and NOCs, provide SkyVision customers with the reliable connectivity and support they need. 

“As a leading oil and gas company with projects and interests throughout Africa, SAPETRO required a highly experienced and reliable partner that would deliver comprehensive services to meet its specific needs,” said Jean-Daniel Tragus, SkyVision Oil & Gas Sales Director.

Commenting on the project, Martin Trachsel SAPETRO’s CEO said “We are thrilled to have engaged the services of SkyVision for this important project which is geared towards providing robust high-tech turnkey communication infrastructure to support our operations in the Sèmè Field. We found SkyVision’s comprehensive suite of services, technological expertise and pricing, a compelling offer and one which met our expectations”.

“We greatly value this joint partnership with SAPETRO, a true leader in Africa’s oil and gas production industry. This important project win, marks SkyVision’s far-reaching commitment to oil and gas customers throughout Africa, as we further our commitment to delivering quality voice and data communications where they are needed most,” stated SkyVision COO, Golan Madar. “We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with SAPETRO and to providing them with reliable and efficient technologies and services, today, and well into the future.”