Intelsat Provides Communication Network to Devastated Haitians
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Within hours of the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Haiti earlier this week, Intelsat established two communication networks — one in C band and one in Ku band — to provide vital communication links. The two networks, set up via Intelsat’s satellite and terrestrial network infrastructure (including its GlobalConnexSM Network Broadband service), are supporting governments, Haitian organizations, network service providers, media, telecommunication operators, and humanitarian efforts nationwide.
“Natural disasters can leave countries feeling helpless when traditional communication infrastructure fails,” says Jay Yass, Intelsat’s VP, network services. The loss of contact with the outside world impedes obtaining the critical aid that is needed in the aftermath. Satellite communications is often the first communications technology to provide restoration following unfortunate events such as the Haitian earthquake. “
For media customers, Intelsat was one of the first satellite operators with a dedicated team and a fly-away system in place at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, providing on-site coordination and transmission services.
Yass adds that, “Immediately after the first reports out of the Caribbean describing the devastation, we began mobilizing an Intelsat team focused on providing broadband connectivity to customers and relief agencies affected by this natural disaster.”
Intelsat rapidly deployed broadband connectivity using its GlobalConnex Network Broadband service via capacity on its Intelsat 907 and Horizons 2 satellites, located at 335.5º E and 74º W respectively. These satellites are among 42 spacecraft within Intelsat’s global fleet of 55 that are enabled with GlobalConnex capabilities.