BGan perfect for disaster situations

Governments in central America are learning how to sharpen their disaster response using BGAN.

The Disaster Management Workshop from 21-23 September familiarised government officials with Inmarsat's mobile voice and broadband data communications service.

The goal was to equip communications officials with a working knowledge of BGAN so they can quickly and effectively use Inmarsat's network in an emergency.
During the workshop, Inmarsat guided 30 engineers and technicians from the governments of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama.
"BGAN has proven to be an indispensable tool during times of crisis, providing voice and high-speed data connectivity when all other communications options fail," said Diane Cornell, Inmarsat vice-president of government affairs.

"Once familiar with the equipment, first responders can generally be on the network making voice calls and using the internet within five minutes of arrival at the site of a disaster."

In 2008 when Hurricanes Fay, Gustav, Hanna and Ike battered the region, a BGAN-equipped emergency communication centre established in Haiti supported more than 30 aid organisations.
BGAN helped to transmit more than 11,200Mb of data for situation reports, needs assessments, medicine lists and other vital information.

Source: Inmarsat