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Mobile solution for disaster response
Altobridge and Inmarsat have successfully demonstrated a portable, easy-to-use first responder cellular communications solution over Inmarsat’s Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) in a recent trial in Baltimore.
BGAN is the world’s first mobile communications service to deliver voice and broadband data, accessible simultaneously through a truly portable device, on a global basis. Based on Altobridge’s patented AM Gateway Platform and offering a rapid standard communications capability from a unit small enough to be carried by a single individual, the Altobridge Remote Contiguous Communication (RCC) Unit was linked to Inmarsat’s BGAN using a lightweight, highly portable terminal which provided RCC trial users with full access to the worldwide mobile broadband voice and data network. The RCC is an easy-to-use communication solution, which rapidly establishes a standard cellular network of several miles radius. First responders remain in control of this emergency network and, critically, in control of key personnel who need access to the system via the Altobridge, user-friendly Subscriber Access Control. Jack Deasy, Director of Government Solutions at Inmarsat, said, “The RCC solution allows quick restoration of damaged cellular networks after a hurricane or other disaster. When linked to BGAN, it will give first responders full access to normal internet and telephony services over the cell phone handsets that they use every day.” Monte Egeland, Altobridge’s VP North America, said, “Altobridge is working closely with cellular carriers to meet the unique demands of the first responder market. Inmarsat’s BGAN service offers a whole new multimedia dimension in emergency communications.” The BGAN service has been available in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, most of Asia Pacific and Western Australia since December 2005 using the first of the new Inmarsat-4 (I-4) satellites. A second I-4, launched in November 2005, provides coverage to the Americas. Together, the two I-4 satellites cover around 85 per cent of the world’s landmass and 98 per cent of the world’s population.
