Helpful Tips for Acquiring
Iraq Satellite Service

"... so you can enjoy good, reliable Internet access without spending a fortune"

Iraq satellite service provides an invaluable communications link with the rest of the world for people and business operations located in this Middle East country. In fact, it is the only practical and reliable service in Iraq for both domestic and international communications.

Deployed military personnel, government agencies, contractors, universities, Internet Cafes, and local Iraqi businesses are among the many subscribers who use this service successfully every day.


For those who anticipate acquiring Iraq satellite service, here are some tips to help you save money and enjoy a dependable broadband Internet connection.


The three most important steps to obtain dependable satellite internet service in Iraq; or, any satellite broadband service around the globe, involve

A word about satellite latency...

It's the time delay caused by the distance a transmission signal has to travel up to the satellite and back limited by the speed of light. Since most communications satellites are located in a geostationary orbit 35,786 Km above the Equator, you can expect a delay, on average, of about 240 to 280 milliseconds.


Depending upon where your service location is in relation to the Equator, latency may be as much as 1/2 second, resulting in a time lapse during communications.


However, some providers, who use D-Star and iDirect technology, also utilize Performance Enhancement Proxy software in conjunction with these systems to boost link acceleration. This minimizes the effect of latency overall. It is important to remember that ...


Nothing is more essential to good Iraq satellite service than ...

Finding a reliable internet service provider

And, you should not make your decision based on price alone. Because...
some Internet Service Providers operating in the Middle East advertise low-cost, high speed internet access via satellite. As carrier costs are generally fixed to the provider, low-cost internet access is usually only possible if the provider oversells segment space on the satellite to maximize profits.

How to spot this potential service trouble...

Take a look at the contention ratio. Usually it will be greater than 25:1.

Guess what? ... This practice sacrifices service at the subscriber's expense. Ultimately, too many subscribers sharing the same bandwidth segment on the satellite leads to overcrowding which causes service slow downs, congestion and impaired service.


Really, what good is cheaper internet access if you can not use the service when you need it; or, the speed is just not delivered as advertised?

How to choose a good provider...

Quality will always be a top priority for any reliable ISP offering Iraq satellite service, and this is clearly reflected in lower contention ratios offered in their service packages, along with 24/7 customer service and tech support for its subscribers.


In order to accomplish this, monthly subscription costs may be a bit higher than some competitors, but the end result is broadband satellite service that works.


Good providers will also offer internet service without limitations (unlimited downloads and uploads), no long term service commitments, and no hidden fees. This is important for all subscribers, especially the soldiers and military personnel deployed at various locations around Iraq.


An often overlooked, but very important feature is a local provider presence in Iraq. It is an important factor for quick satellite system distribution, installation and repairs, as needed.


Iraq satellite service providers, who are committed to providing excellent service, continually update their operating systems as new technology becomes available. Some even offer an immediate spare parts replacement service.

Hint: Look for providers who will guarantee network uptime in the ninety-plus percentile range. That means they stand behind their service, and you can expect it to work whenever you need it. These are the features that you need to look for when selecting a provider for Iraq satellite service and anywhere else for that matter.

satellite communications operating diagram

Equally important for dependable Iraq satellite service is ...

Buying the right VSAT equipment

Buy a reliable system that will deliver the communications solutions that you require. After all, it does no good to buy an expensive system that has features you will never use. Conversely, it isn't beneficial to buy a cheap system either, and discover that you're stuck in the middle of the desert with lousy equipment that doesn't work well.


For most subscribers of Iraq satellite service whose requirements may include broadband internet access, emailing, webcam use, and single line

DStar/Linkstar modem

D-Star is a 2-way,
Very Small Aperture Technology, Ku band satellite system that is optimized for performance.


D-Star delivers broadband Internet access to the Middle East at up to 4 Mbits/sec. via a very strong signal from either the Newskies NSS-6 or the ArabSat BADR-4 satellite.

It works independently requiring only a power source for operation. Absolutely, no cable or phone lines are needed.

The D-Star satellite system for Iraq satellite service consists of a small, lightweight, Linkstar terminal unit (pictured above) and a 1.2 meter dish antenna.

It delivers a full featured broadband service to any location, even in the most remote areas.


D-Star does not handle real time streaming applications, such as webcam and VOIP service as smoothly as an iDirect system.

You may experience some chops and jitter with streaming during peak hours, but overall D-Star delivers a very satisfactory performance.


If you require a communications system capable of more sophisticated applications, such as, VPN, VTC, P2P, multiple internet phone lines, or dedicated SCPC service, then iDirect is realistically the only system you should consider.


iDirect offers the very best in satellite system technology available today with a capability to serve businesses and dedicated networks with ease. However, the technology does come with a premium that is about four to five hundred dollars more than the popular D-Star system. More about iDirect satellite systems.

Selecting the right bandwidth service package

Iraq Satellite Service Map

The best way for individuals to save money on satellite equipment, installation, and monthly subscription costs is to form a network group of pten or more users.


This measure will allow more people to enjoy the service at the same time at a lower cost per user.


Many of the military personnel deployed in Iraq have found this suggestion to be the best solution for their service needs.

Service availability

Satellite communications are available throughout the country of Iraq. Here is a

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return to Middle East army page

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•  Europe  •  Middle East  •  South America  •  USA