Why Satellite Communications?

• In the majority of emergency situations, the terrestrial wireless infrastructure is either destroyed by the disaster which makes it critical for emergency workers to have access to a wireless communications network that is not dependant on terrestrial infrastructure.
• Satellites are the only wireless communications infrastructure that is not susceptible to damage from disasters.
• A group of satellites can cover virtually the Earth’s entire surface.
• Since satellite solutions can be set up quickly, communications networks and new services can be quickly recov¬ered and reconfigured
• Satellite technology can provide communications services such as Internet, data, video, or voice over IP.

Applications

• Satellite technology can provide narrowband and broadband IP communications services such as Internet, data, video, or voice over IP.
• Handheld terminals provides 64Kbps data rate. Bi-directional portable VSAT antennas provide 4 Mbps and fixed installation can bring the bandwidth up to 40 Mbps.

The Technology:

Equipments

1. Handheld Mobile Satellite Communications

• These systems are provided by mobile satellite service providers.
• They provide access through very small, cell-phone-sized devices, as well as pagers and in-vehicle units.
• Prices for satellite phones can be as low as $40 a week for rental, with purchase prices ranging from under $400 up to about $2,000. Services are provided on a per-minute basis, as with any mobile telephone system, and start under a dollar a minute.

2. Portable and Transportable Mobile Communications

• Mobile satellite systems, or terminals used for “communications on the move” include equipment that can be transported and operated from inside a car, truck or maritime vessel, as well as in helicopters and other aircraft, including commercial airplanes.
• This kind of terminal is useful where data-intensive, high-speed connections are needed on an expedited basis for damage assessment, medical evaluation or other applications for voice, video and data.
• Depending on the satellite system and type of equipment, they can be operational in anywhere from 5-30 minutes usually without expert technical staff, and can be deployed anywhere.
• As with communications systems in general, higher satellite terminal prices – whether they are portable, mobile or fixed – equate to more robust services, higher reliability, faster delivery and a wide range of other features and options.

3. Fixed Satellite Communications

• Fixed satellite communications terminals would typically be installed in cases where the equipment is required for longer than one week.
• Such systems requires VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) and it can be configured to provide everything from low-speed data transmissions up to very broad bandwidth data and full broadcast-quality video to replace local and national telecommunications infrastructure.
• Such systems must be installed by a qualified technical team.

Some Satelite Service providers:

• Inmarsat
  Contact: north_america@inmarsat.com
  Telephone Number: (703) 647-4760
  Website: http://www.inmarsat.com
  Solutions: Mobile Satellite Services (MSS); Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN).

   

• Intelsat
  Contact: Britt Lewis
  Telephone Number: (301) 571-1210
  Website: http://www.intelsatgeneral.com
  Solutions: Ground infrastructure, mobile and fixed satellite systems, technical expertise, and secure communications
  network solutions.
   
• AMERICOM
  Contact: info.americom@americom-gs.com
  Telephone Number: 703-610-0988
  Website: http://www.americom-gs.com
  Solutions: FSS fixed, deployable, and mobile Internet, voice and data broadband connectivity.
   
• Iridium
  Contact: John Schroeder
  Telephone Number: (301) 571-6265
  Website: http://www.iridium.com
  Solutions: Mobile voice, data and tracking capabilities immediately.
   
• Xtar
  Contact: Larry Haughey
  Telephone Number: (301) 590-7402
  Website: http://www.xtarllc.com
  Solutions: Fixed and COTM X-band communications services.
   
• Terrestar Networks
  Contact: Jim Frelk
  Telephone Number: (571) 921-4619
  Website: http://www.terrestar.com
  Solutions: Next generation mobile communications that seamlessly integrates cellular and satellite networks through customized IP-based applications.
   
• HUGHES
  Contact: Amir Dehdashty
  Telephone Number: (301) 601-2674
  Website: http://www.hughes.com
  Solutions: Broadband satellite networks, backup services, continuity of operations and other managed network services.
   
• MSV Mobile Satellite Ventures
  Contact: info@msvlp.com
  Telephone Number: (800)-216-6728
  Website: http://www.msvlp.com
  Solutions: Interoperable two-way radio, telephone, and mobile data solutions.
   
• STRATOS
  Contact: Jennifer Brooks
  Telephone: (301) 968-1972
  Website: http://www.stratosglobal.com
  Solutions: Multiple VSAT/MSS solutions for emergency and contingency communications.
   
• SES New Skies
  Contact: Robert W. Turner
  Telephone Number: (202) 478-7121
  Website: http://www.ses-newskies.com
  Solutions: Fixed Satellite Services to include voice, data, video and Internet connectivity.
   
• Globalstar
  Contact: Len Corasaniti
  Telephone Number: (301) 361-0091
  Website: http://www.globalstarusa.com/en/
  Solutions: High quality, cost effective satellite voice and data communications to over 120 countries.
   
• Marshall Communications
  Contact: Sonny Marshall
  Telephone Number: (571) 223-2010
  Website: http://www.marshallcomm.com
  Solutions: Secure content delivery, mobile VSAT, and custom turnkey communications solutions
   
• eutelsat
  Contact: info@eutelsatinc.com
  Telephone Number: (202) 756-1460
  Website: http://www.eutelsatinc.com
  Solutions: Fixed satellite video applications, broadband IP connectivity, mobile data and telephony communications.

   

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