Essential Guidelines: “So, How Must I Plan My Satellite Connection?” & Other FAQs

Previous articles in this issue have clearly established that satellite communications provide the critical path for continuity in emergency and disaster situations. This is because satellite communications connect and help move logistical, rescue and first responder resources during natural or man-made disasters where, very often, terrestrial wireless infrastructures have been destroyed.

Access to a wireless communications network that is not dependant on terrestrial infrastructure is so critical, and the deployment of satellite communications is among the first priorities in any emergency response, rescue, or relief situation. It is essential for local government emergency response and disaster recovery planners – as well as “on the ground” emergency workers – to have a ready understanding of how they can get their satellite connection.

Information about the nature of the satellite solution, how to access it, and how to optimize it to the requirements of a specific organization, are critical elements in all operational planning practice. To achieve this optimization, information will be needed on how to:

• Ascertain whether satellite does indeed fit your application
• Design a satellite network optimized to your requirement(s)
• Develop a business plan to sustain the network
• Procure a competitively-priced satellite network
• Deploy, maintain, operate and – potentially – grow the network.

Satellites and Disaster Planning
In order to support the incorporation of these elements into operational planning, the GVF, in conjunction with the International Association of Emergency Managers, created a “Guideline for Inclusion of Satellite Communications in Disaster Operational Plans.” These factors are listed below.

What needs to be done by the Emergency Management Sector?
The underlying issue for the satisfactory deployment of satellite communications for disaster response and recovery is the availability of advance funding capabilities in order that Emergency Managers can make their Planning, Preparation and Procurement processes both cost-effective and precise.

Experience with the establishment of communications as the result of previous disasters has clearly demonstrated that advance funding capabilities are required for:

• Provisioning of first responder satellite communications equipment that is consistent with the time-frames outlined in the Guideline;
• Availability of satellite capacity for disaster response and recovery communications;
• Availability of first responder satellite communications equipment on an as-needed basis from locations outside of the disaster area, that are consistent with the time-frames outlined in the Guideline;
• Availability of satellite communications equipment to augment that already existing at Emergency Operations Centers on an as-needed basis;
• Availability of satellite communications equipment for Mobile Emergency Operations Centers;
• Familiarization and training for emergency management personnel on a routine basis.

As disasters can occur over large geographical areas, it is essential that the Planning, Preparation and Procurement be undertaken by the Emergency Managers on a collaborative and coordinated basis involving all jurisdiction levels and by all those with disaster response/recovery interests. Only by these means can a realistic response be made to establish satellite communications that meet the criteria outlined in the Guideline, and which includes such factors as:

• Interoperability
• Scalability
• Multi-agency coordination

Emergency Managers are therefore urged to (1) establish means whereby advance funding capabilities are available and (2) coordinate their Planning, Preparation and Procurement at all jurisdiction levels and involving all those with disaster response/recovery interests.

About the Author
John Feneley, is the Canada Correspondent for the GVF, [email protected] or (514) 684-7026.

Martin Jarrold, is Chief, International Programme Development, GVF.

References
Why Satellite Communications are an Essential Tool for Emergency Management and Disaster Recovery. A. Maleter, Futron Corporation and D. Hartshorn, GVF.

Interoperable Satellite Communications. An Integral Component of Disaster Management. Austin Comerton, Mobile Satellite Ventures.