iPhone vs. Android Battle Goes To Afghanistan

redlined writes "Cell phones are tired of waiting for the troops to come home and are going to war themselves. Tech startup Berico Tailored Systems, Lockheed Martin and apparently an army of Slashdot users are currently making tactical 3G cellular networks and smartphone applications for the military to use overseas. While DARPA has held a competition to develop iPhone and Android applications, tactically-deployable 3G networks from companies like those above should open up a slew of opportunities for Apple and Google to duke it out on an actual battlefield."

Not surprising to me...

[DSS11Q13]

Actually, you would be surprised at how much 3g coverage there some spots in in the Middle East, or at least Edge network. I did a lot of volunteering in the Palestinian Territories...in the wilderness and desert. While I didn't have a 3g smartphone I had my Kindle with me, and I never once lost 3g coverage. Here is a map of the Kindle coverage which should give at least a general idea http://client0.cellmaps.com/tabs.html#cellmaps_intl_tab [cellmaps.com] Frankly I'm surprised they haven't set up these networks already, especially for military ops.

Re:Post-war Afghan interrogation

[Anonymous Coward]

Afghan soldier:

U.S. et al. is fighting alongside Afghan soldiers, not against them

From a soldier...

[Anonymous Coward]

Short, easy answer: Android.
Long, easy answer: Android phones because they have changeable batteries, textile keyboards (keep in mind that most of us wear gloves, rendering most touch-devices useless), can be loaded on any hardware we want, supports text-based passwords instead of PINs, uses a standard USB connection, are generally cheaper, and don't look as civilian-esque as some Android phones (see Droid, Droid X).

Veteran's perspective

[Anonymous Coward]

I served in Afghanistan. All these discussions on bullet proofing are irrelevant. Many of us carry cameras that are no where near water proof or bullet proof. We just put them in small little water tight cases on us. It wouldn't be bad for usage on a COB or FOB but out in sector it could be a security issue. (Light and noise discipline and personal sectors of fire not being watched) I pulled guard with someone who was using his phone to text and call back home in sector on our COB. His roaming charges were fucking ludicrous! Still it would be nice to see it implemented for down time instead of waiting for USO or SPAWAR computers or phones to reach loved ones. Although Afghani's sold us Afghan shitty phones that reached home just fine.