An infrastructure supplier which provided telecommunications equipment to Libyan rebels in Benghazi and Misrata has revealed its involvement in the liberation effort to the press. US firm Tecore had not previously confirmed its involvement in the operation - despite details being leaked to the press - as it did not wish to compromise the rebels’ objectives.
The firm, which provides equipment for 2G, 3G and 4G deployments, has also provided training on the correct usage of the equipment. Its involvement in the liberation effort began in April 2011 after the wireless networks were cut, and signals jammed, in the regions where the rebels had a stronghold.
Ousama Abushagur, a Libyan-American humanitarian aid coordinator, reached out to Tecore after his requests for assistance were rejected by the company that provided telecoms infrastructure for Gaddafi. “When I reached out to the original supplier of the network for assistance to help control certain areas, they refused”, he said.
The US firm operated via a third-party contractor, and rapidly deployed a system which was soon providing one million mobile subscribers in Benghazi, the rebels’ major stronghold, with wireless capabilities. More recently Misrata, another major liberated city, has its own network up and running using Tecore equipment.
“As a Libyan-American, it brings me great joy that an American company comes to the aid of the Libyan people when they were in the direst of situations,” commented Mr. Abushagur. “Communications is one of the main pillars of logistic coordination. Prior to the installation of the equipment, the rebels were sadly forced to revert to basic and primitive communication tactics,” he added.
“The courage and resilience demonstrated by the Libyan people was epic; it gives us great pride to have contributed to this monumental event,” said Jay Salkini, President and CEO of Tecore Networks. “With the tremendous support of the Libyan engineers on the ground, we managed to install a wireless system that facilitated their communication in a modern way, and allowed them a fair chance in their struggle,” he added.
