Hughes Network Systems (HNS) today announced the Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) has renewed its wide area very small aperture terminal (VSAT) satellite network management services contract for another five years.
HNS will continue to provide end-to-end services from network management to field maintenance for the AAFES VSAT sites on the network from its Los Angeles hub. Using HNS¿ PES VSATs, AAFES provides both primary communications services and back-up systems to branches located at military bases throughout the United States.
The flexible, reliable VSAT network allows AAFES to handle multiple applications and is used for a variety of applications, including inventory control, credit card authorization, stock replenishment, video broadcasts for training, broadcast communications, internal email, and batch applications of information at night.
At the larger branches using terrestrial networks, the VSAT network is deployed as a back-up system that provides a seamless transition onto the VSAT network when the terrestrial system fails. In addition, the VSAT network provides flexibility to AAFES as new sites can be brought online very quickly and equipment can be redeployed within the network easily.
AAFES has replaced its system of videotape distribution of its business TV network and has taken advantage of VSATs¿ broadcast capability to add a new radio network for its stores nationwide.
AAFES is a military organization that strives to provide quality merchandise and services to Army and Air Force personnel and their families wherever they are stationed around the world. AAFES revenues support Army and Air Force morale, welfare, and recreation programs.
"The renewal of AAFES¿ contract emphasizes the value VSAT systems provide to the retail environment. Applications such as credit card authorization improve customer service, which is vital in any retail setting," said Bahram Pourmand, executive vice president, Satellite Networks Division, HNS.
