[Satellite TODAY 03-12-10] The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has set a series of new standards to enhance satellite communications in emergencies, the organization announced March 10. These standards for satellite services aim to facilitate early warning, rapid response and relief operations in the event of natural disasters.
   Recommendation ITU-R S.1001-2 provides information on the range of radiofrequencies that can be used by fixed satellite service (FSS) systems for emergency and disaster relief operations. Recommendation ITU-R M.1854 provides information on the range of radiofrequencies for mobile satellite service (MSS) in order to enable a variety of functions such as voice and data communication, field reporting, data collection, position information and image transmission.
   “Establishing communications in the aftermath of a disaster is vital to facilitate rapid and effective rescue and rehabilitation efforts. The new ITU radiocommunication standards for satellite communication in emergencies will greatly improve our capacity to save lives. I call upon all stakeholders, including administrations, satellite operators and service providers to support the development of robust, comprehensive, early warning and relief systems to mitigate emergencies and disasters at the national, regional and international levels,” ITU Secretary General Hamadoun Touré said in a statement.