Emergency Responders Need Back Up Networks—Commercial Innovation Meets the Requirements
First responders need the most flexible and reliable communications to ensure they have access to critical information for successful emergency response. Citizens across the country expect these government teams to be reliably connected in all types of environments. To achieve both goals, local and state governments are focusing on adding advanced technology to their toolkits to keep everyone connected and speed up response times. These officials know that citizens are counting on them to respond effectively and efficiently.
Since communications technology has advanced very quickly in the last several years, the Hughes Government team is ready to explain and show you how these technologies can fit into your government response plans. We understand that the first 24 hours of the emergency response are the most vital. Storms, fires, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters will likely disrupt ground-based connections, including cell phone towers. The emergency response network is the responder’s backbone and without connectivity, operations will likely be hindered or worse, brought to a standstill. Backup equipment is needed to support these requirements. If a satellite network was not part of the disaster planning, hours and days will pass until the existing network is operational. Having a mobile generator and a satellite terminal included in your response allows you to quickly and easily bring internet connectivity and telephone service to first responders and citizens when they need it most. Government planners need to consider a variety of options to meet their specific needs.
Take into consideration the following technologies that should be in your emergency toolbox, since no one communication path will suit all users and all circumstances.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Communications for Single and Multi-Site Connectivity
Government customers not only need broadband capacity, but also managed network services, including low latency satellite connectivity. This managed service allows first responders to act and not think twice regarding the communications network. With powerful hurricanes emerging early in the 2024 season, this managed network needs to be part of the government team’s plans. The Hughes team has worked with state and federal government responders and knows how critical planning is for mission success. Leveraging our satellite service availability and ground systems, we have supported relief efforts, most notably in Texas, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. With new LEO satellites available and ready with innovation developed and manufactured by Hughes, we can apply our expertise in all types of satellite networks, including LEO.
Hughes offers network management and managed communications networks that provide reliability in any location, even remote areas. We provide customers with managed broadband service that can stand alone or be integrated into a company’s broader terrestrial network. Our team can also blend Hughes Managed LEO Service with capacity from our constellation of JUPITER GEO satellites in or wireless 4G LTE and 5G services, and then design a network to fully integrate the various transports. We then make sure that your response team is connected, even if one path is disrupted.
5G Systems
With 5G networks unfurling for governments worldwide, the question is no longer whether to incorporate this new mobile technology standard, but how and when. 5G Standalone (SA) networks from Hughes are customized to meet specific mission needs, combining best of breed technologies and services, integrated and managed by the Hughes team of government communications experts. During any kind of disaster response event, re-establishing voice connectivity, internet access, and video services is imperative to support the work of relief teams and for residents in the disaster zone. Personnel trained for disaster response are not necessarily trained for new wireless networks like 5G. The Hughes Government team is ready to design a 5G network that fits into the emergency plans. Our Private 5G network is based on open standards, making it compatible with existing tactical mesh and line of sight radio nodes and LEO satellite networks for backhaul from the disaster to central command centers. Whether for internet of things (IoT) connectivity for equipment maintenance, low latency augmented/virtual reality applications, or high-speed data networking for sharing critical situational awareness, a private 5G system from Hughes offers the resiliency, security, and performance necessary to meet emergency connectivity standards today and into the future.
Smaller, Lighter User Equipment
User terminals and related equipment for access to traditional networks can be expensive, and governments have been reluctant to tie up resources in equipment they think they may never need. However, today’s high-throughput satellites, both geostationary (GEO) and LEO, deliver more bandwidth to a new generation of smaller, less expensive terminals that are easier to set up and operate. Hughes provides many options that are small enough and rugged enough for the harshest disaster zones. Equipment can be pre-ordered and pre-staged ahead of severe weather for the fastest connections or ordered as needed for longer deployments.
USA-Manufactured Electronically Steerable Antenna (ESA) and Terminal Solutions
The Hughes ESA is a critical part of delivering Hughes Managed LEO connectivity. Unlike a typical satellite antenna that can only track one satellite at a time, the Hughes flat-panel ESA is able to connect to multiple satellites at once. As one satellite passes overhead and starts to disappear, the ESA can switch the signal to the next LEO satellite emerging above the horizon.
Governments and their emergency response teams are working hard every day to prepare and gear up for the next emergency event. These efforts must address how to incorporate cutting-edge, advanced technologies from low latency, LEO satellite constellations to 5G and smaller, lighter user equipment. Hughes can help plan and equip your government teams so that they will have reliable connectivity, even if their primary communications are disrupted. From hurricanes to wildfires, Hughes has supported emergency response so responders can act as quickly as the emergency requires.
Go here for more information on how Hughes can help support your disaster and emergency communications preparation and response efforts.