Products in Action: Above the Din

The U.S. first-responder community is at a crossroads when it comes to its emergency communications systems. Local governments are increasingly aware that after disasters, traditional telephone lines aren't likely to be available, and cellular and radio communications may be unreliable.

     To achieve seamless interoperability among first responders, hospitals, emergency relief workers and local government agencies, officials have begun to recognize the need to incorporate satellite communications systems into their emergency response plans. In fact, many are calling for the creation of a national standard for satellite-based backup communications for first responders.

     While these larger issues are being resolved, police, fire and EMS professionals can evaluate a wide range of mobile and fixed satellite systems that provide voice communications, narrow- and broadband data and Internet connectivity in any emergency situation.

Phones for Voice, Narrow-Band Data
     In recent years, responders in many major metro areas have significantly increased their investment in handheld satellite phones from companies like Iridium and Globalstar. The new Iridium 9505A and the Globalstar GSP-1600 are smaller, lighter (less than one pound) and more resistant to water, dust and shock, making them well-suited to rugged urban conditions. These new models also provide narrow-band data transmission capabilities (up to 9.6 kb/sec.) via internal modems, which connect to laptops to manage applications such as e-mail and text messaging.

     While it's comforting to know these products are in the storage cabinet, it's also critical that all professionals complete training to ensure they're capable of placing calls from one satellite phone to another under stressful conditions.

Mobile Systems for Data, Video
     While voice and narrow-band data communications are sufficient for many situations, responding to disasters, riots or terrorist attacks often requires high-speed connectivity that can send video, voice and data from the field to the command center. Inmarsat's Global Area Network (GAN) systems have become a preferred solution to meet these requirements by providing broadcast-quality transmissions for e-mail, file transfers, Internet access and video teleconferencing.

     Portable GAN systems have been widely deployed by the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and other agencies nationwide. They are also used extensively in Middle East battle theaters and other areas by U.S., Australian and British military forces.

     The latest GAN systems provide small, lightweight (15 lbs.), ruggedized terminals for voice, high-speed data (up to 64 kb/sec.) and video communications. The systems feature Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS) that enables users to pay only for data packets transmitted and received. GAN is also compatible with most data-encryption devices.

     For an even higher level of performance, Inmarsat's recently introduced Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) service offers global IP networking over shared channels running at speeds of up to half a megabit. Compact BGAN terminals enable unprecedented worldwide broadband access in land-based application areas.

What's Ahead?
     As demand increases from first responders, manufacturers such as Inmarsat, Iridium and Globalstar are using their field experiences to develop faster, more cost-effective satellite products. At the same time, leading service providers and land earth station operators complete the equation by offering value-added programs to meet specific customer requirements. These add-on services include bandwidth-leasing programs; custom Internet access for satellite phones; prepaid calling cards; global-reach networks to ensure affordable telephone service; and secure VoIP services to improve the reliability and accessibility of secure data and voice communications worldwide.

     By working together, manufacturers and service providers are helping first responders at every level to develop and implement effective disaster-communications plans.

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Scott Hoyt is Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Stratos Global Corp. in Bethesda, MD. He can be reached at 301/214-8800 or scott.hoyt@stratosglobal.com.