Satellite Emergency Operations Network (SEON) Launched

An interview with SkyPort CEO Rob Kubbernus

Disaster Resource GUIDE Editor: SEON was launched in early February. Why now? What sets SEON apart from any other satellite network?

Robert Kubbernus, CEO & President: Public safety has been deeply impacted by previous natural disasters. The lessons learned have caused agencies to assess the requirements for the continuity of operations when much of the infrastructure is in a state of failure or completely destroyed. As a result, agencies have purchased their own emergency solutions without any uniform or standard access to a ubiquitous broadband satellite solution designed specifically for public safety organizations.

SEON is the first network of its kind – a comprehensive interoperable network to provide broadband emergency satellite communications support to emergency management teams. SEON was designed for public safety agencies to efficiently protect citizen lives. The SEON network provides uniform reach-back to Incident Command Systems, full voice capability, broadband data and internet, training and support, interoperable video teleconferencing and ongoing equipment maintenance.

DRG: As a comprehensive emergency communications network, potentially serving the whole country, will SEON have enough capacity if multiple disasters occur?

RK: SEON’s very low sharing ratio, reserve emergency satellite capacity and the fact this network is not shared by any other group or business, but is dedicated 100% to emergency management professionals, is what makes this network so powerful. Our relationship with EchoStar enables SEON members to operate with confidence that the network will perform flawlessly and is capable of handling high volumes of voice and data during emergency deployment.

DRG: Why should public safety agencies depend on SkyPort and SEON during crucial times?

RK: SkyPort has years of emergency management experience and a history of successfully building networks.

We are honored to have served numerous National Guard units for many years, enabling SkyPort to hone specific skills that are required to support first responders.

SkyPort is the only satellite provider to be awarded the prestigious “Minuteman Award” in 2006 from the US National Guard Bureau for providing continuous service during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. SkyPort was again tested in 2008 when Hurricane Ike made a direct assault on the Houston- Galveston area. The teleport remained 100% operational throughout the event and sustained no damage. Being located on Ellington Joint Reserve Air Base and with over $15 million spent on our infrastructure and network center has made the difference between a standard provider and one of the most trusted network developers around.

DRG: What do you think the future holds for SEON?

RK: SEON has the capability to expand throughout all 50 states. SEON is designed to extend capacity, capabilities and services which are dedicated to emergency management agencies.

SEON’s instant infrastructure offers ubiquitous satellite covering the continental US, making it possible support agencies in areas where existing infrastructure is outdated, damaged, destroyed or overloaded.

Unfortunately, there will always be natural and manmade disasters, and therefore an ongoing need for SEON. Public safety agencies, especially in the post 9/11 world, must be able to communicate with an interoperable, redundant emergency satellite communications network to best serve and protect all citizens.