Haiti earthquake aftermath – first responders rely on BGAN
1 Introduction
In any emergency, communication is vital. But in the event of a natural disaster,
terrestrial networks are often damaged or destroyed, leaving first responders without
the means to co-ordinate humanitarian relief efforts in the crucial first hours and
days.
This is where Inmarsat services can help save lives, through the restoration of
essential communication links in any location or conditions.
1.1 Role of satellite communications in emergency response
Inmarsat’s Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) offers humanitarian aid
agencies an all-in-one phone and data solution using a compact, lightweight terminal
that can be deployed in minutes.
Joel Schroeder, Inmarsat Business Development Manager for Land Mobile Services,
says: “National government agencies, IGOs (Inter-Governmental Organisations and
NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) are increasingly turning to Inmarsat
because we offer reliability when it is needed most.”
First responders can arrive in a disaster zone with a BGAN terminal small enough to
stow in a backpack and, with minimal technical knowledge, set up an instant field
office.
Field teams and back office can then co-ordinate activity by phone and email. They
have access to the internet, can record and transmit live video footage from the
disaster zone, or send and receive the latest situation reports.
If live video or audio broadcasting is required – for video conferencing, updates for
off-site teams or reports for the media - BGAN offers guaranteed data rates on
demand from 32kbps to more than 384kbps with BGAN X-Stream™. The newlyintroduced streaming IP rate of 176kbps is a lower-cost option ideal for ‘talking
heads’ or shots with relatively little movement.
And, with vehicular BGAN, relief workers can keep communication channels open
while they are on the move. This comprises a robust, compact, roof-mounted
antenna, which constantly tracks the satellite while the vehicle is travelling, and a
transceiver which is positioned inside.
The introduction in June 2010 of IsatPhone Pro, Inmarsat’s first global handheld
satellite phone, expands the aid worker’s satcom options still further.
“IsatPhone Pro will become a critical tool for the aid sector,” says Schroeder. “It
offers the longest battery life, the most robust handset, clear voice quality and, of
course, the reliability of the global Inmarsat network.”
IsatPhone Pro delivers up to eight hours talk time and up to 100 hours on standby.
Dust, splash and shock resistant, with an Ingress protection rating of IP54, it is
capable of operating in the most extreme temperatures from -20°C to 55°C.
It is also the only satellite phone to support Bluetooth and the handset can be placed
on its side to allow hands-free use. It offers voicemail, text and email messaging, and
– particularly pertinent to humanitarian operations – GPS location data is available
for users to look up or send in a text message, meaning support can be directed to
precisely the right place.
2. BGAN use after the Haiti earthquake
On 12 January, 2010, Haiti was struck by a catastrophic earthquake measuring 7.0
on the Richter scale. The state capital, Port-au-Prince, was devastated and critical
services such as water, electricity – and telecommunications – were knocked out.
Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF) is the United Nations selected agency responsible
for emergency telecoms support. Inmarsat supplies TSF with free satellite
communications equipment and financial support.
The day after the earthquake, TSF dispatched a team from its American base in
Managua, Nicaragua to establish satellite communication links at the UN emergency
co-ordination and logistics centres near the airport in Port-au-Prince.
With demand high – from media organisations as well as the relief effort – Inmarsat
reallocated spot beams from the I-4 satellites to ensure spectrum was available.
TSF Head of Mission for Haiti, Mr. Genin, says: “Starting from the time we identify
a site, it takes no longer than 30 minutes to set up a full office facility that includes
data and voice access using Inmarsat BGANs.
“We are capable of setting up a Wi-Fi network, and a fax which operates via the
BGAN terminal.”
Genin, a veteran of many emergency situations, says Haiti was the worst he has
experienced, but despite the chaos the team was able to use BGAN and Mini M to
provide essential communications services which allowed UN organisations – in
particular the United Nations’ Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC)
teams – and other NGOs begin the massive relief operation.
A TSF communications centre was also set up in the search and rescue camp,
which allowed international teams searching for survivors to relay information.
Support was also given to the UN Stabilisation Mission, which hosted all the UN
agencies and NGOs stationed in Haiti.
The agency also installed a BGAN terminal at the temporary Government Coordinating Office from which the Haitian police were in charge of securing distribution
of aid to the many people left homeless and hungry.
More than 100 humanitarian organisations relied on the TSF telecom centres, with
up to 320 aid workers using them daily during the first two weeks after the quake.
Another important part of TSF’s role is to provide a humanitarian calling service so
disaster victims can get in touch with friends and family to let them know they are
alive and ask for financial help. In Haiti, some 10,500 families were able to make a
free satellite call from centres set up around the country.
TSF’s Monique Lanne Petit explains: “In this desperate situation, giving people a link
with the outside world is vital. The possibility to reassure loved ones with one single
sentence – ‘I am alive’ – is essential.”
Inmarsat also provided connectivity for military users and other organisations which
came to Haiti’s aid, including the Red Cross, WorldVision, the International Medical
Corps and Médecins Sans Frontières.
3 Inmarsat services for development aid programs
Nearly six months after the earthquake, BGAN use in Haiti remains high,
demonstrating mobile satellite communications’ role in longer-term aid operations as
well as immediate relief efforts.
Joel Schroeder says: “Reconstruction and sustainable development projects,
designed to alleviate poverty in the longer term, can also benefit from mobile
connectivity.
“Many of these programs are based in rural areas in countries where GSM is patchy
or limited to voice and text, and traditionally people have had to travel to use a fixed
satellite service.
“But with the ongoing development of BGAN applications such as telemedicine and
remote banking, development agencies are now in a position to take the service to
the people.
“In the past, satellite communications were seen as expensive and cumbersome. But
with compact, easily deployable terminals, significantly lower costs for both terminals
and airtime, flexible pricing packages and innovative applications constantly being
developed for BGAN there really is a solution for every situation.”
To find out more about BGAN applications in the aid sector, visit
www.inmarsat.com/aid
4 How to buy BGAN
BGAN is available through Inmarsat distribution partners and service providers in
more than 190 countries. Visit our website to find the right partner for your
organisation.