Troops Pay For Their Own Internet Connection

November 2, 2006: Commercial providers of satellite Internet access are pitching their services directly to American and NATO troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Rates are competitive, and the Internet access includes VOIP (telephone service via the Internet). Not all bases have Internet access, and the providers have found a market of well paid troops who are willing, and able, to pay for access. The access equipment is shipped to the base, and is simple to set up. While the brass are increasingly concerned with such Internet access in a combat zone, they have to move carefully to control it (for security purposes), because such access is very popular with the troops.