FTMSC Provides Emergency Communications to Algerian Towns Rocked By Earthquakes

In response to the earthquake in Algiers last month, France Telecom [NYSE: FTE] Mobile Satellite Communications subsidiary TDCom has deployed a “telecom center” in Zemouri, one of four towns affected by the earthquake.

The center is based on satellite links for secure communications between the region and the rest of the world. Using Inmarsat and Thuraya mobile satellite equipment, the center enables the local population, the media, relief agencies and Algerian officials to make phone calls and send faxes, e-mails and images.

France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications has supplied two Inmarsat-M4 terminals for 64 kbps voice/data transmissions, two Inmarsat Regional BGAN terminals for 144 kbps high-speed data transmissions (on a shared channel) and five Thuraya mobiles for low-speed voice and data.