In a quantum leap to provide connectivity, the IAF today launched its
own stand-alone Rs 300 crore cellular network through which secure
video calling and other information exchange facilities will be provided
to over 1.7 lakh personnel of the force.
The IAF also plans to
issue around one lakh mobile handsets to its personnel of the rank of
Sergeants and above to connect and provide secure 'end-point?
connectivity to the air warriors deployed across the country. The
captive network has been named 'Air Force Cellular'.
"With the
IAF?s 3G WCDMA project, we are taking a quantum leap forward in our
quest to provide mobile and secure 'end-point' connectivity to the air
warriors deployed across the length and breadth of our country," IAF
Chief Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne said while launching the AFCEL.
He
said the network will facilitate real time exchange of information in
"an ever dynamic operational environment that we operate in".
"I
am certain that provision of this capability will keep our men and women
connected to the Information Grid and ensure high situational awareness
as well as greater synergy in Command and Control functions," Browne
said.
IAF officials said the mobile phones of the network would
not be able to make calls to or receive calls from outside the network
developed by the IAF in collaboration with HCL and Alcatel Lucent India.
"While
Phase I of the project will ensure mobile connectivity to all air
warriors in the National Capital Region, its Phase II will cover the
rest of the bases," IAF officials said.
