Joining iPackets in the endeavour were AFL Network Services’ Enterprise Division and Mainline Communications.

The companies’ Mine-1-1 system was in the spotlight at an Alpha Natural Resources Brooks Run operation near Cowen, West Virginia. The system is made up of its iPMine solution as well as AFL’s third generation MobileNet unit, remote video surveillance, and Voice over Internet Protocol to interactively send and receive messages for one-to-one communications within a mine.

The company said Tuesday that the feedback received after the demonstration was “extremely positive” and gave those witnessing the event a comprehensive view of the system’s integration.

“We are extremely pleased that within a few weeks from announcing the Mine-1-1 offering for the US market, our partner Mainline was able to quickly arrange for a demo of this magnitude at a large coal operator in the US,” said iPackets president Naiel Kanno.

“We are equally elated that the Mine-1-1 product demonstration far exceeded the expectation of all participants.”

Mainline president Hugh McDavid concurred with the successful result.

“We have known all along that the Mine-1-1 solution is cutting edge technology that will create a safer work environment. The success of the demonstration proved that and has already generated a lot of discussion and excitement in the mining industry,” McDavid said.

“Since mine safety is so important, the management at Alpha Resources Inc and Brooks Run should be congratulated for their willingness to give us the opportunity to demonstrate to them just how well the system works.”

AFL spokesperson Miner Lawrence called the demonstration “very exciting and productive” for the industry and the trio of companies.

“The mine workers were enthused about the new system – the way it works and all that could be accomplished with this single solution,” Lawrence said.

“It's great to be part of a team that is focused on providing safer working conditions within the mining community. We look forward to our continued partnership.”