Holloman receives new communication system

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rachel Kocin
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) --  Government computer users here recently received the capability to view news channels streamed over the network courtesy of Internet Protocol Television.

IPTV is a system which allows the user to view media from broadcast cable channels through their computer desktop by using the base network.

"IPTV eliminates the need for cable drops and doing so allows us to watch current events live through television news and weather channels, without having to look for a cable television hookup in your building," said 2nd Lt. Brennon Smith, 49th Communications Squadron plans and resources flight commander.

Once the integration phases are complete, Airmen will be able to access IPTV through a shared link.

Having the capability of using IPTV will save the Air Force money over using regular cable, Lieutenant Smith said. Currently for news and weather channels, Holloman spends more than $70,000 per year for 82 official users and 271 users in the dorms and billeting. Due to the rising costs of individual subscriptions and the constant need for activation and installation of new cable drops, IPTV enables users to access cable television from a simple local area network drop over the base network, which could save more than $15,000 per year.

"With cable TV, it costs roughly $11,000 for 82 users to access the channels. With IPTV, 2,000 users will have that same access for about $8,000 per year," he said. "There is no question -- IPTV is the way to go!"

Lieutenant Smith explained with the Air Force mission changing and an increasing need for information flow to reach our Airmen, having this service would greatly facilitate such efforts to keep Airmen informed and up-to-date on current world events.

"IPTV is a great situational awareness tool by providing personnel access to news and weather," said Maj. Kelly Roth, 49th Communications Squadron commander. "It can be used to inform Holloman personnel of upcoming events, exercise messages, emergency situations, and provide the wing commander another means to interface with his subordinates." 

Currently the IPTV channels include MSNBC, the Weather Channel, CNN and Fox News. Additional channels that will be added in the future include the Commander's Access Channel and Commander's Calls Channel.

"IPTV is a great success story where maturing technologies have emerged as both a viable communication tool and a way for our frontline Airmen to stay informed," said Col. Jeff Harrigian, 49th Fighter Wing commander. "We've taken proven technology and made it work for us while saving taxpayer dollars. It's really a win-win scenario ... added capability, streaming up-to date information and low overhead costs running over already existing network infrastructure."

With IPTV no additional equipment is needed, no install of wiring. If someone has access to the base network, they have the capability for IPTV.

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