5 ways to keep in contact with family whilst deployed
If you’ve been deployed overseas with the military, one of your first concerns will be keeping in touch with the loved ones you’ve left behind. Thanks to a range of internet-based communication tools such as email, Skype and FaceTime, you can feel closer to your friends and family, even when they’re thousands of miles away.
Far from home
Military deployment is one of the main reasons families are forced to spend long periods of time apart. What’s more, it can be extra difficult for spouses, parents and children back at home because of the high risks associated with working for the armed forces. The good news is, long gone are the days when the only communication was a telegram every second Friday. Today, you can stay connected with your family thanks to a number of tools that are available wherever there is a satellite internet connection.
Closer to home
It is so much easier to keep in close contact with your nearest and dearest than it was before the birth of the internet. Internet via satellite allows you to connect even when there’s no phone signal available. Even if your military deployment agenda does not allow for daily chats or Skype conversations, a quick WhatsApp message or SMS can be enough to reassure and to help your children get a good night’s sleep when mummy or daddy are thousands of miles away.
Getting the family involved
It may be that your family members are not used to using the latest technologies, and are only familiar with traditional telephone calls that are somewhat limited compared to what can be achieved through satellite internet. Read through the options below to find out which satellite internet service is best suited to you and your family’s needs.
5 useful tools to keep in touch
Using email is the best way to communicate when you want to send lots of news in one go. Once you’ve typed out your message, which can be as short or long as you wish, send your email and it will be in the recipient’s inbox almost instantly. Emails can be sent via smartphone, your laptop, tablet or PC. Email also allows you to send photos and other attachments such as Word documents and audio files.
Skype
Skype allows users to make video telephone calls – meaning you can see your family and they can see you! This is perfect for showing your spouse and children your working environment, and for seeing how your baby daughter has grown. With Skype, it’s almost as though you’re in the same room as those you love so dearly.
FaceTime
This tool is similar to Skype, but for Apple products such as iPhone, iPad and Mac. For FaceTime to function, your device needs to be fitted with a FaceTime Camera. FaceTime, like Skype, is a brilliant way of seeing your family face-to-face and feeling as though you’ve seen them in person.
WhatsApp is a free app used on mobile telephones. It is an instant messaging service that allows users to communicate in real time via the written word. WhatsApp allows users to send recorded messages, photos and emoticons, bringing a personal touch to the conversations. Users can also make telephone calls through WhatsApp.
Wi-Fi calls and SMS
Through Wi-Fi calling, you can use the internet to make and receive telephone calls, instead of the traditional mobile phone network. You can also send SMS messages via Satellite Internet. Speak to your mobile phone provider to find out if this option is available to you.
For Internet services whilst deployed, check out Leokonnect high Satellite Broadband.
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