Farmside Technology Supports Military Operations

Farmside Technology Supports South Island Military Operations

Over 500 military personnel will be able to communicate more effectively during their upcoming two-week military exercise with the support of Farmside’s mobile satellite communications platform. The rugged portable communications platform will support high-speed broadband, an Internet connection and the Army’s local area network (LAN) during the exercise.

The military exercise, being held in the Central Otago area from 17 – 29 May, will be the first time Farmside has had the opportunity to provide the New Zealand Army with satellite communications capability during an exercise situation.

“The Army approached us earlier this year to discuss the communications options we could provide them as part of testing they are doing on their network capability. In the past they’ve used international satellite providers at a significantly higher cost than Farmside’s New Zealand based system,” said Tony Baird, Farmside’s CEO.

“We’ll provide two 84 cm portable satellite dishes and related kit, similar to the set up our residential customers utilise, but the Army will integrate their own security systems. The great thing about this equipment is that it can be portable, it’s rugged, simple and quick to set up and dismantle, and it provides a huge high-speed broadband link for downloading maps and other data dense files.

“Most importantly, the satellite connection will provide a stable and reliable communications platform for the soldiers who will be operating in rugged terrain during their exercise.”

Farmside will continue an ongoing relationship with the Army at the conclusion of the exercise.

The New Zealand Army will host an open day in Ranfurly (at the rugby grounds) on Saturday 22 May. Visitors and the local community will have the chance to take a closer look at the military equipment being used during the exercise. The Farmside satellite communications platform will be set up during the open day and members of the public will be able to take a closer look as well as talk to the soldiers who have been operating it. Farmside staff will be on hand to explain how satellite broadband can also be utilised effectively by farmers, rural business and rural communities.

ENDS

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