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First Responders Portable Satellite

July 28, 2022

Reliable, robust communications when it’s needed most

The challenges and current landscape

According to the United Nations, over the last 20 years the number of extreme weather events has increased by a staggering 153%. The US alone saw 20 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in just one year.

During times of unpredictable and unprecedented disaster, coordinating people on the ground, emergency services and mobile operations teams isn’t straightforward. It’s often further impaired when traditional communications such as cellular, mobile and fiber have been disrupted or cut off as a result of the disaster. Loss of life is sometimes, sadly, inevitable, but with alternative options to coordinate communications and response teams, it can be preventable.

hurricane irma property damage
Critical connectivity in critical moments

Why portable internet is crucial when disaster strikes

Mapping and GPS data

Access to GIS data is essential data regarding property and ownership, and MSDS sheets deliver potentially life-saving information on material safety.

Personnel and equipment tracking

Tracking the real-time location of personnel, equipment and assets, including emergency vehicles and helicopters, all saves invaluable time.

Red Phone Emergency Network

The network enables organisations and personnel to communicate via voice, email or even radio, and disseminate information to other relevant Public Safety agencies.

Monitor news and media coverage

The streaming of 24/7 news allows teams to connect to the internet to check media reports and news in real-time to ensure a complete 360-degree view of disaster and first response information.

Document and record

Wildfires, for example, spread fast. Drone video utilises remote connectivity to live stream video, providing real-time information to those on the ground.

TOUGHSAT

The solution

Public safety and the prevention of loss of life are always top priorities. In recent years, the number of IoT applications have increased exponentially. The enablement of IoT solutions – such as Toughsat – has directly resulted in the saving of lives and disaster prevention through remote connectivity, monitoring and control. Toughsat has been deployed by emergency services all over the world that require a quick, reliable and portable VSAT antenna for both high-speed internet and VoIP phone services.

With a clear view of the sky, and the touch of a single button, Toughsat delivers connectivity for up to 256 wireless capable devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops or VoIP phones. Teams can be online in minutes, even where all other connectivity options have failed, and with powerful 20 Mbps x 5 Mbps broadband internet speeds. What’s more, the powerful broadband WiFi hotspot operates even in extreme weather conditions including high winds, flood and fire-affected areas.

SEE TOUGHSAT XP
Toughsat-XP-on-vehicle

Toughsat XP in action

Ground Control’s emergency communications satellite equipment meets or complies with all SAFECOM requirements for emergency interoperable communication equipment. Toughsat is also the only VSAT antenna listed by make and model in the US FEMA Cache list.

Like to know more?

With over 40 years of combined knowledge of satellite experience and disaster relief, the Ground Control team is well placed to help keep you connected when it matters the most.

With complete satellite connectivity solutions for any situation and application, we’ve got you covered.

Whatever your communication or connectivity needs, we can help.