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Keeping in Contact With Family, From Afghanistan?

Posted by timothy on from the and-don't-say-learn-pashto dept.

LiNKz writes "Within a short while I will be heading to Afghanistan and in the interest of keeping in communication with my wife and family I've been looking at different means of it, from VoIP to cellular services. I'm not sure how well connected or how stable of a connection the base I'm deploying to has, which means VoIP might simply not be an option. I have, however, noticed in my searches that Afghanistan has recently boomed with cellular coverage though that too seems to be difficult to ascertain. I'm curious if the Slashdot community has any information or experience regarding international cellular services offered in this country and the means of obtaining it."

5 of 176 comments (clear)

  1. Try something new: "voicebeep" by nitroamos · · Score: 5, Interesting

    It's a cross between instant messaging and asynchronous voip.

    http://voicebeep.com/sayit

  2. MWR provided internet and Voip by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    I'm currently deployed in Afghanistan at FOB Blessing and the broadband phones and internet that the MWR give us for free is actually really quite good considering where we're at. It's free and works perfectly, the only problem is the small amount of computers (8) and phones (3) available for this base with our numbers. Most of the other outposts have a MWR room with similar things in them, maybe less or more comps or phones..

    Not many people use the afghani cell phones or their blackberrys (apparently depending on the plan they work here albeit very expensive).

    hope this helps or reassures you!

  3. Regulations by breakzoidbeg · · Score: 5, Informative

    Communication Through un-official means may get you into some trouble, so be discrete no matter what option you choose so be careful. When the prime minister of Canada visited our base in kandahar they blacked out official communications and were really on top of unauthorized communications (no e-mail even). Keep your head down mate!

  4. A Little Info by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    I'm currently in Afghanistan as well.

    SPAWAR provided phones at the MWR are cheap. Take a look at the link: http://oif.spawareurope.net/

    Also, Bently-Walker provides good satellite Internet out here. That's what I'm using right now.

  5. Re:Not an issue anymore by Crewdawg · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I would disagree slightly here. I am an IT Manager that has a dozen or so remote sites in Afghanistan and Iraq. I would not consider the internet and call centers plentiful. We are often forced to use VSAT to get any connection at all. When there is a military provided connection it is usually a SIPRNET or NIPRnet. Use of VoIP and personal communications on these networks is usually prohibited. We do have good luck with Skype and even Vonage when there is an internet connection, though it is often heavily delayed (think 800 - 1200ms delays).