I expect a few cypherpunks will know the founder of blueiraq... Cheers, RAH (who wonders who's running rediraq.com... ;-)) ------ <http://blueiraq.com/iraq/index.html> Blue Iraq Local Experts in Global Communications about Blue Iraq | Products and Services | Technology and Networks | Iraq FAQ | Support | Contact Us Iraq FAQ FAQs Technology and Internet in Iraq: Frequently Asked Questions We have found that there are a few common questions about Internet access and general IT in Iraq. By answering these questions here, we can try to improve understanding inside and outside Iraq of the unique environment which exists here. What kind of Internet connection does Iraq have? Iraq does not have "one main Internet connection". As of 2003, Iraq has had no landline or microwave relay connections to the outside world. All international communications, and most domestic communications, have been via satellite. Domestic wireline or wireless networks rely on satellite access for international connectivity. Many businesses use small satellite terminals (VSATs) to communicate directly with the outside world. Who uses Internet service in Iraq? The US Department of Defense, DoD and Redevelopment Contractors, Western expatriates, and the Iraqi Government are major users of Internet and international communications services in Iraq. Additionally, many NGOs, universities, and Iraqi businesses are establishing internet connectivity. One of the major purchasers of Internet service in the domestic Iraqi market is for small, entrepreneurial Internet Cafes. Why is service in Iraq more expensive than in other parts of the world? Satellite capacity is usually more expensive than terrestrial connectivity, due to the high costs of satellites and limited RF capacity available on a given transponder. However, satellites also have very high reliability, and are the only practical means of deploying communications rapidly over a large territory without building extensive (and vulnerable) fixed infrastructure. Modern shared IP-optimized Ku-band VSAT systems can be very affordably priced compared to older satellite communications systems. Communications companies operating in Iraq also face higher operating costs than similar communications companies operating elsewhere in the world, due to security concerns and lack of infrastructure. Can I use Voice over IP (VoIP) over satellite? Generally VoIP will require special settings to work reliably over satellite. We currently only support our iDirect network and dedicated satellite capacity for VoIP applications, and all supported VoIP communications must go through our VoIP gateway to ensure traffic prioritization and quality of service. Your competitors offer some systems which are cheaper, and can use Iraqis to do the installation. Why should I use Blue Iraq? Our prices are actually lower than most other satellite systems, based on service capacity and performance -- unlike a lot of companies, we specify our systems based on observed performance in Iraq, not a fanciful design specification. Due to the security situation, it is very difficult for Iraqis to get onto US bases to do installations. We do use trained Iraqis for off-base installs in some cases. However, in many cases, we have found that having US engineers do the world results in the most effective solution with the highest overall quality. An inexpensive system which does not work reliably is no bargain. Why should I purchase a system from an Iraq-focused network operating company, vs. one of the satellite owners or major networks? One word: presence. Blue Iraq has trained personnel on the ground in Iraq who are familiar with the environment. Many other vendors have never set foot in Iraq, and rely on local contract installation companies to do installations. Non-Iraq based companies also do not have personnel in Iraq do provide after-sale support if anything goes wrong. In a place like Iraq, many things can go wrong. Isn't it too dangerous to operate a business in Iraq? The news shows bombings and kidnappings every day? Iraq can be a very dangerous place. However, we take all reasonable precautions to minimize this risk. Our personnel travel with appropriate levels of security, and will refuse to go to sites which are not adequately secured. We primarily operate in conjunction with the US military, and rely on US military helicopter transport between secure bases. All personnel have appropriate protective gear and training. Why does the military use commercial internet services? Doesn't it have enough satellite capacity of its own? The US military makes extensive use of commercial products and systems for a wide variey of non-tactical purposes, as commercial systems often provide the cheapest, best, and most cost-effective solution to a given problem. Commercial satellite networks are extensively used for Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) purposes, administrative and support systems, and more. Do you do business in the Iraqi economy, or only on DOD bases? Our primary customers are located on DOD bases: the DOD, its personnel, and contractors. However, we do business with the local Iraqi economy via Iraqi resellers and installers. How can I get Internet service as an individual in Iraq? Please evaluate our products and services. Due to capital costs of our VSAT systems, our mobile Inmarsart R-BGAN system may be desirable for low-volume individual users. Alternately, you could try finding others with whom to share a VSAT system and split the cost. How can I get Internet service for my unit or company? Please evaluate our products and services, with particular attention to our VSAT systems. Please contact us with any additional questions. Can you set up service outside Iraq? We can interface with corporate or military networks anywhere in the world. We can also provide satellite communications or other IT systems outside Iraq, but our focus is on the DOD, Iraq and its neighbors, Afghanistan, and the Islamic world in general. How do I register an Iraq Domain Name (.iq)? At present, .iq domain names are unavailable. We suggest using name-iq.com, name-iraq.com, nameiraq.com, or other similar names. When do you think the occupation/insurgency/etc. will end? We can't predict the future. However, even if Iraq became a peaceful nation today, it would be many years before infrastructure had been rebuilt to the level required for a fully functional economy. Can I invest in Blue Iraq? What is your stock ticker symbol? What is the minimum investment? Blue Iraq is not currently a publicly traded company, nor is it listed on any stock exchange. We are currently raising our first round of funds from angel investors within the technology industry, and those familiar with Iraq. If you are an SEC-qualified investor interested in investing at least USD 100 000, please contact our investor relations department at ir@blueiraq.com. -- ----------------- R. A. Hettinga <mailto: rah@ibuc.com> The Internet Bearer Underwriting Corporation <http://www.ibuc.com/> 44 Farquhar Street, Boston, MA 02131 USA "... however it may deserve respect for its usefulness and antiquity, [predicting the end of the world] has not been found agreeable to experience." -- Edward Gibbon, 'Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire'