Free Republic

WHAT IS BGAN? The Broadband Global Area Network or BGAN for short, is a global Satellite Internet Network with telephony using portable terminals. The terminals are normally used to connect laptop computers to broadband Internet in remote locations the terminal can be used anywhere. The value of BGAN terminals is that unlike other satellite Internet services which require bulky & heavy satellite dishes to connect, a BGAN terminal is smaller than a laptop and thus can be carried anywhere, and used globally. The network is provided by INMARSAT and uses two geostationary satellites, with a third satellite to enter service...

Austin woman sought a way to connect with soldiers. In the middle of a 120-degree Iraqi day, with 40 pounds of armor strapped to his body and most of life's indulgences half a world away, Pfc. Floyd White Jr. finally realized just how sweet grape Kool-Aid can taste. Part of what made it so sweet was that it came from Central Texas. The Kool-Aid was sent by an Austin woman, a civilian, the type of person White said he sometimes feels disconnected from as a soldier. "It is an awesome feeling," he said in an e-mail, "when a soldier has...

August 3, 2004 You had signed up during Operation Iraqi Freedom to adopt a soldier on my website (www.operationac.com) last year on 9/22/03. I am writing because I have more soldiers asking for a sponsor than I have Americans to write to them and send them care packages with powdered drink mixes and personal care items. There is still a large need for that as well as just providing a soldier or marine some support from home. I now have the soldier's email address to give to people who will adopt a soldier. They don't get to email very often,...