Iridium Offers Government First Responders Interoperable
Emergency Communications Package
Iridium Satellite announces it has a readily deployable
emergency communications package available to government
first responders gearing up for the June 1 hurricane
season kickoff. The Iridium package provides an unmatched
mobile, global, interoperable voice and data communications
service for when all other lines of communications fail.
First responders can tap Iridium’s voice and data
communications services for asset tracking and redirecting
of important equipment, supplies, vehicles, and even
personnel, when disaster strikes. States already with
experience using Iridium emergency services include
Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri,
South Carolina and Texas. However, states that can be
affected by hurricanes span from Massachusetts to Texas.
“Many states that could be affected by hurricanes
this season are still far from being prepared from a
communications perspective,” said Greg Ewert, executive
vice president, Iridium Satellite. “We have a backup
communications package that governments can easily use
in the event of an emergency. In addition, unlike most
other systems, Iridium is interoperable with all other
emergency communications systems, including UHF and
VHF radios, as well as others.”
Communications system interoperability was a major
issue first responders faced when Hurricane Katrina
hit the U.S. Gulf Coast states in 2005. The Iridium
emergency communications package addresses interoperability,
as well as the typical concerns first responders face
when all other lines of communications go down:
• Mobility/portability – anywhere in the
world
• Quick Setup
• Easy access
• No reliance on any land-based infrastructure
(including power, towers, satellite earth stations or
terrestrial interconnects)
• Able to be used in and out-of-doors
• Interoperable with all other first responder
communications tools
The Iridium package includes voice communications and
data communications tools for first responders.
“Iridium may typically be thought of as a satellite
phone in the hands of a first responder,” Ewert
said. “Increasingly, government customers are seeking
Iridium for tracking and redirecting of important assets
in an emergency, including critical supplies, vehicles
and even personnel. This is done through communications
systems based on our data-only transceiver. Many first
responders were left vulnerable when it came to asset
tracking. Supplies sat by the side of the road because
communications were hampered with a lack of deployed
mobile satellite services. They were unable to redirect
supplies as needed. With our solution, they can stay
in touch and stay in control.”
The Iridium emergency communications package can include:
• The Iridium 9505A satellite phone
• The Iridium 9522A voice and data transceiver
• The Iridium 9601 data transceiver
• A multi-channel fixed service with a variety
of fixed antenna options for in- and out-of-building
use
• Vehicular mount and docking stations
• Solar chargers
• Interoperability platform
In addition, Iridium provides services customized to
meet user needs including consulting, training and customer
service.
“First responders using Iridium tell us time and
again that we’re often the only line of communications
they have, particularly during and right after a disaster
strikes,” Ewert said. “When communications
infrastructure goes down, they need to get to the disaster
scene and connect back to headquarters to coordinate
their rescue and relief mission. Iridium is their tool
of choice. It usually takes several days for first responders
to set up more permanent, fixed communications services
in a disaster scene. They use Iridium to keep in touch
and to coordinate their rescue mission as it unfolds.
And, Iridium is interoperable with all other communications
systems as they get up and running.”
As witnessed in the direct aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,
Iridium became an integral tool in all stages of emergency
response:
• Disaster warning
• Evacuation
• First Response
• Search and Rescue
• Disaster Assessment
• Reinforcements
• Cleanup
• Rebuilding
• Future Disaster Preparedness
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25 October 2006
