Hauppauge, N.Y.-based Globecomm Systems [GCOM], a global provider of end-to-end satellite-based communications solutions, was awarded a contract valued at $14.7 million from the Ministry of Communication, Islamic Transitional State of Afghanistan. The contract entails designing, delivering, installing and maintaining a hybrid broadband communications network.

When completed, the network should be able to provide voice, data, Internet and video-conferencing services to 38 ministries within the capital of Kabul and to 31 provincial capitals throughout Afghanistan. In addition, the network would provide an international gateway to the global Internet and public switched telephone network using a combination of satellite communication links, microwave, wireless links and fiber connections. The contract also includes continuing maintenance and operations services as well as supplying the related satellite capacity.