[SatNews] The German Bundeswehr recognizes good work and good will... and has awarded a contract to Astrium, the European leader for space technologies for the delivery of “Welfare Communication Services” to deployed German troops. The multi-million euro contract covers current and future Bundeswehr operations. A six month implementation phase started on the 1st January 2011, after which services will be available to troops from the 1st July 2011, for four years.

“Welfare Communication Services” is the provision of a full range of telecommunication infrastructure and related services for deployed troops, enabling them to call their families and friends back home, to access the Internet and GSM networks, send and receive emails and video telephony. Providing troops with easy access to telephone, email, the Internet, sports info, local news from their home city or region, and social networks is vital in maintaining morale. The Bundeswehr also intends to provide 30 free phone minutes per week for each deployed German soldier.

Astrium Services has a decade of experience in delivering sophisticated Welfare Communications to both deployed British ("WelComE" services) and French troops ("Passerel" services). This pan-European approach enables wide synergies to be developed, which ultimately ensures the German welfare services benefit from the highest possible quality and reliability.