What a consolation to know that Spacenet, a provider of satellite networking solutions, announced that H-E-B, one of the nations largest independently owned food retailers, deployed Spacenet’s high-performance Connexstar satellite services as an emergency communication network in support of disaster-relief efforts during severe weather conditions.

Imagine being hit by hurricane Dolly and Ike, which eliminated the infrastructure in many areas, leaving people without power or access to basic supplies. Enter H-E-B which deployed its Disaster Response Unit (DRU) to affected communities.  The support unit was made up of a convoy of almost 40 vehicles and 12 trailers equipped with Spacenet’s Connexstar satellite services and transportable auto-pointing antenna.  This system enabled the DRU to support critical communications, including high-speed broadband data, during the hurricane relief efforts. Emergency services included a mobile H-E-B Pharmacy unit and mobile Business Services unit that enabled displaced residents to receive medications, cash checks and pay bills. The services enable rapid deployment of completely converged communications to support voice, video and broadband data via satellite for emergency response teams.

“Spacenet’s satellite services and transportable equipment were a critical component to the operation of our Disaster Response Unit,” said H-E-B Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Justen Noakes. “The system worked extremely well and enabled data communications to be up and running within minutes after the DRU was parked.”

“H-E-B’s Disaster Response Unit is an impressive system that provides invaluable services to the community during emergency situations,” said Spacenet President and COO Glenn Katz. “Having a reliable communications system is a critical component of emergency response. Spacenet’s transportable satellite solution ultimately helps H-E-B focus on its core mission during relief efforts by providing a high-quality and dependable communications network for affected communities.”

Based in San Antonio for more than 100 Years, H-E-B has been an innovative retailer known its products and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. H-E-B employs more than 67,000 Partners and serves millions of customers in more than 150 communities throughout Texas and Mexico.