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Overseas operations
Often used in military jargon, the term OPEX stands for Opérations Extérieures. These are interventions by French military forces outside national territory in conflict zones. Life in OPEX is a powerful human experience. Sharing similar living conditions, being far from one's family, team spirit and confronting a hostile environment all reinforce group solidarity. In this context, connecting soldiers to their families is of vital importance.
The context
In 2017, following a call for tenders issued by the Économat des armées, the Ministry of Defense's central purchasing agency, Wifirst was selected to provide WiFi internet access at French military defense bases on external operations. The "ILOPEX2" solution enables military personnel to keep in touch with their families in eight countries in Africa and the Middle East.
It includes WiFi access, a VoIP telephony module and round-the-clock support thanks to the presence of a Wifirst representative in each theater of operation. The WAN dimensioning and WiFi expertise provided by Wifirst ensure that the user experience is as ergonomic and fluid as possible.
The challenge met
In a very short space of time, Wifirst succeeded in implementing a high-performance solution that meets the high security standards required to provide this service in a military context, in a war zone. Wifirst adapted its solution to the extreme climatic constraints (high temperatures, sandstorms) and took charge of everything: site audit, deployment, integration and logistics.
Wifirst was able to integrate specific functionalities into its solution to meet ad hoc military requirements. The hybrid model chosen for ILOPEX2 consists of a guaranteed monthly allowance, which can be supplemented by the online purchase of coupons.
Concrete results
- 6,500 soldiers benefit daily from the Wifirst OPEX service
- 14 bases equipped in Africa and the Middle East
- 650 outdoor WiFihotspots deployed
- 80 km of fiber laid in the heart of bases
- 10 GB of data exchanged per month per user
"Improving the day-to-day lives of singles and geographic bachelors both during and outside working hours covers three areas: connectivity to maintain links with the family, renewing the garrison living environment, and improving the range of services on offer (fast food, self-service sports facilities, etc.)."
Article 6.1 of the Family Plan
Ministry of the Armed Forces
