Developing Even Better Systems
Satellite equipment providers and operators are also developing improved systems that promise to work even more efficiently the next time the government and private organizations need help, officials say. iDirect has teamed up with Skyport International to equip National Guard Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear or High Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package teams with a satellite-based emergency response communications system which interconnects seamlessly with the Guardnet terrestrial network.
Besides encrypted real-time traffic management applications such as video and high-speed data, this solution offers VoIP via AVL Tracstar auto acquisition antennas. Multiple virtual local area networks also can be supported over a single link with data rates of more than 4 megabits per second.
MSV executives say its planned next-generation system, which combines a terrestrial wireless network with a satellite network, is underway. The FCC authorized MSV last May to launch and operate a next generation satellite at 101 degrees West to provide its wireless communications network, including the use of terrestrial repeaters. "Our new integrated handsets will be small, lightweight and affordable comparable to the cellular handsets that people use on a daily basis," Good says. "Our next-generation service will be just as useful as a police radio or cell phone for daily use but will switch automatically to the satellite when the local network is destroyed or blocked. In addition, the satellite portion of the network will provide ubiquitous coverage, particularly in rural areas, where a reliable terrestrial infrastructure does not exist."
Globalstar developed its Globalstar Emergency Management Communications System, or GEMCOMS system, in time for the response to Rita, Dark says. "We saw the need for first responders to have easy access to satellite communications in-building, but in a mobile way." GEMCOMS uses picocell technology, a base station designed to serve a small area, to connect multiple fixed phones to a miniaturized cellular switch, enabling first responders and emergency management personnel to reach anyone accessible on the public telephone network via standard cell phones, wired phones and the Globalstar network. Calls within an approximate half-mile radius are also possible via GEMCOMS.
As part of its overall effort to refine emergency communications for future efforts, Iridium has completed beta testing of its group call push-to-talk services. This service enables multiple users to cluster their communications via Iridium phones into designated command and control, logistics and other critical task-specific assignments, so that time sensitive information flows more efficiently between agencies and organizations. "First responders need to have mobile satellite communications equipment pre-positioned so they're prepared before events such as Katrina occur, and they need to be adequately trained to use mobile satellite communications equipment so they are ready to move quickly toward disaster response," Iridium spokesperson Liz DeCastro says. "Satellite communication services will continue to play a critical role in homeland security/public safety efforts."
The Message Is Clear
In 2005, the United States was dealt a severe blow by a series of natural disasters. Command, control communications and coordination via satellite are what provided the glue to the enormous relief effort that unfolded in the process. This was a team effort and everyone performed exceedingly well under enormous pressure. Lives were lost and lessons learned. The next time a disaster strikes, satellite will again be ready to meet user needs, and there will be more satellite gear waiting in the wings. What still is needed, however, is a paradigm shift from reactionary to prepositioned and prepared. Time will tell if national and local governments have indeed learned anything from these disasters. If so, perhaps now they will implement satellite-enhanced communications infrastructures that can better withstand whatever comes their way.
Peter Brown Is Via Satellite's senior Multimedia and Homeland Security editor.
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