[SatNews] The importance of being prepared with the correct team, talents and equipment is critical to ensure the safety of all. LightSquared™ today announced the formation of an Emergency Rapid Response Communications Team (ERRT) available to deploy to emergency and disaster locations throughout North America.  The team will provide on-call mobile satellite communications services, personnel and equipment for emergency support to federal, state and local first responders and public safety agencies. LightSquared is reported as the nation’s first wholesale-only integrated wireless broadband and satellite network

The ERRT is a part of LightSquared’s Emergency Preparedness Program – a new year-round program designed to provide federal, state and local first responders and public safety agencies with enhanced mobile satellite service and support in advance of and during emergencies such as hurricanes, earthquakes and all natural and man-made disasters. LightSquared’s Emergency Preparedness Program is a multi-pronged approach to make available LightSquared’s satellite communications services to keep first responders and public safety personnel connected during emergencies even if terrestrial wireless and landline systems are compromised in emergency situations.  The key elements include:

• Pre Hurricane Season Preparedness
• Satellite Communications Equipment readiness and testing
• Emergency Response Support including quick deployment of the ERRT to provide on-site communications support and spare equipment

“LightSquared, through its SkyTerra communications services, has a strong track record of assisting the first responder/public safety community during disasters by providing reliable and easy-to-use mobile satellite services to federal, state and local agencies,” said Sanjiv Ahuja, chairman and Chief Executive officer of LightSquared. “Now LightSquared is taking an additional step to provide support to first responder/public safety users by establishing the Emergency Preparedness Program with its Rapid Response Team.  This program will help public safety organizations prepare for natural disasters and other emergencies by providing a rapid on-site support capability to ensure that emergency service providers have satellite communications in case terrestrial capability is reduced or lost.”

LightSquared has a history of supporting agencies dedicated to providing emergency services.  The company has supported earthquake relief operations in Haiti, provided essential first responder mobile satellite communications following hurricanes throughout the southeast U.S. and provided command and control communications support for firefighting operations in California.  With a similar focus on communities in need, most recently, LightSquared linked up with the Indian Health Service (IHS), the lead federal agency, to serve health needs of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) for free satellite phones and associated service for use in Tribal communities. For more information about LightSquared visit.:

LightSquared’s mission is to revolutionize the U.S. wireless industry through the creation of the first-ever wholesale-only nationwide 4G-LTE network complemented by satellite coverage, LightSquared offers people the speed, value, and reliability of universal broadband connectivity, wherever they are in the United States.