PacStar and Spacenet Collaborate to Provide Satellite Emergency Response Solution
WASHINGTON DC, June 18, 2007 - Satnews Daily - Pacific Star Communications (PacStar) and Spacenet, Inc. are working together to create the Emergency Preparedness Integrated Communications (EPIC) system, a mobile emergency response solution that quickly restores emergency communications in the event of hurricanes and other disasters.
Based on a modified PacStar 5500 connected to a satellite terminal, EPIC provides federal, state and local officials as well as first responders unified communications, data access, streaming video capabilities, plus wireless and satellite connectivity. The PacStar 5500 delivers private branch exchange (PBX) integration, data and video capabilities in an encrypted environment so first responders and emergency operations can get the entire range of information they need to assess damage and begin recovery efforts.
Intended for use in disaster areas and extreme remote locations, the EPIC solution is designed to empower first responders, military troops or anyone working in an infrastructure-starved environment to quickly establish or re-establish a multi-faceted communications network. The EPIC solution enables the first responder community to use existing communications hardware (analog and IP phones) to interoperate with each other. This capability creates a seamless communications network onsite with connectivity to the Internet and the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) via a single interface.
Unlike other communications solutions that require a six-ton truck and/or military-grade aircraft to transport, the EPIC system can be transported in an SUV, helicopter, or commercial aircraft. Two people can deploy EPIC within one hour, inclusive of the satellite connectivity.
Spacenet's Connexstar satellite services for converged voice, video and data applications complement PacStar 5500, providing a wireless network path that completely bypasses local infrastructure in the case of a disaster. The satellite kit includes a fixed- dish that can be manually configured and an emergency response grade on-demand satellite service.
"This exciting partnership will enable a truly important advancement in emergency preparedness," said Robert Frisbee, CEO of PacStar. "Communications are often among the first systems to go down when a major disaster strikes, resulting in slow response times and an uncoordinated response. Having EPIC at the ready ensures that first responders have access to reliable, easy to use communications, helping to save time and potentially lives."
"PacStar has tremendous expertise in delivering advanced deployable communications," said David Myers, Spacenet senior vice president of marketing & corporate development. "Working together, the combined solution of PacStar 5500 networking capabilities and Spacenet's high performance Connexstar services provide emergency responders and government officials with access to reliable satellite broadband communications."
PacStar is a technology-based systems integrator providing total communications solutions that empower military units, federal, state and local government agencies and emergency responders with secure, reliable, interoperable command, control and communications capabilities in remote or infrastructure-starved areas. Spacenet is a provider of satellite and hybrid terrestrial networking solutions for business, government and home/small office customers in the United States and worldwide.
