DULUTH, Ga., 8 April 2009. DataPath Inc., a provider of satellite and wireless communications networks, is providing MobiLink Technologies communications on-the-move (COTM) systems to a deployed U.S. Army unit in support of battlefield operations.

The MobiLink Technologies COTM system from DataPath was tested in Iraq in late 2008 and early 2009 and is now an operational system that installs in Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. Eight additional COTM systems, as well as field technical support and other services have been procured through exercised options under an existing delivery order. The COTM systems are expected to be deployed within weeks, says a representative.

Steve Lindeman, vice president of Business Operations at DataPath, says: "The driving concern of this effort by the Army is improving situational awareness and mission effectiveness of forward-deployed warfighters. With the technology to provide COTM capabilities available immediately at a reasonable cost, military commanders are moving now to get COTM into the hands of their forces."

While on long convoys and operations in Iraq, MRAPs with MobiLink COTM systems are enabled with broadband connectivity while traveling at high speeds. In the battlefield environment, the systems provide an unbroken satellite link on-the-move and operate without interference from military jammers. Commanders on the battlefield use the COTM systems to receive live unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) video feeds and use voice over-IP, video teleconferencing, SIPRNet Web connectivity, and other command-and-control applications. With these capabilities, forces in the field are able to create a robust local and over-the-horizon network that is reliable regardless of the terrain and the distance from a military base.

Program Manager WIN-T's Commercial SATCOM Terminal Program (CSTP) at the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command in Fort Monmouth, N.J., awarded the original delivery order for this effort and the modification with the exercised options through the CSTP Blanket Purchase Agreement contract.