Information and communication technology projects actualized
• A satellite layer was added to the terrestrial voice and data communications (LVSAT-I) to enhance redundancy, in March 2005.
• The Army Wide Area Network (AWAN) was put into place, which has revolutionized our archaic messaging system. This project has been a runaway success and now its second phase is being introduced. The pilot project was dedicated to the nation by President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on 24 February 2006.
• Phase III of Army Static Switched Communication Network (ASCON Ph III) was commissioned on 13 September 2006. This brought about a quantum jump in communications by the introduction of ATM technology. The use of optical fibre cable (OFC) has enabled broadband connectivity and resulted in greater capacity for data and voice communications. This cabling was speeded up and many strategic alliance projects with the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), such as the Srinagar-Leh sector, have been completed or are in progress.
• The mobile cellular communication system for the army was conceived and progressed during 2005–07, and was commissioned in June 2008 in the testbed corps zone. This has proved to be a great success and is being expanded to cover more areas.
• Other important systems like Network for Spectrum, Tactical Communication System and Defence Communication Network, which are going to be a reality in the near future, were provided the launch pad and impetus during 2005–07.