... defence forces internet $20millions ...

... the Australian 13may2011 ...
...
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/budgets/budget-2011-defence-gets-20m-for-internet-access/story-fn8gf1nz-1226055183140
...
... THE Department of Defence has been allocated around $20 million for "enhanced internet access" to be spent over four years, 2011 budget papers reveal.
The government said $19.9m would be provided to "improve internet amenities" for Defence personnel deployed on operations.

"The measure will establish a single contract that will standardise the delivery of internet service for ADF personnel on operations with predetermined levels of service and defined support arrangements," budget documents said.

According to Defence, the funds would help it better manage and consolidate numerous internet access contracts.

"Defence currently delivers Amenities Internet Access to its deployed land forces through a number of locally derived contracts," a Defence spokeswoman said.

"These services are for welfare and quality of life purposes and help deployed members stay connected to their family and friends and conduct the type of personal business that has become such a part of our modern way of life.

"These ad hoc arrangements provide vastly differing levels of service; in capacity (bandwidth), supportability and availability. It is these services that will be standardised with pre-determined levels of service and defined support arrangements under the funding announced by the government in the 2011-12 budget," she said.

The internet has been a sensitive topic of late at Defence after the so-called "Skype scandal" and alleged racist remarks made on social media sites.

Several reviews into its operations have been ordered at the behest of Defence Minister Stephen Smith.

Mr Smith last week announced 1000 civilian jobs would be slashed to deliver $300m over three years in savings.

The department will kick-off a long-anticipated trial into its next-generation desktop project centred on thin client and virtualisation technologies.
...
........ ende of article ....
...
...