SkyTerra Launches First International Satellite Talkgroup for Public/Private Utility Sector
Infrastructure Satellite Mutual Aid Radio Talkgroup enables interoperable communications throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States
Reston, Va.
August 3, 2009
SkyTerra has added the Infrastructure Satellite Mutual Aid Radio Talkgroup (I-SMART) to its family of SMART™ talkgroups. I-SMART is the first international SMART and the first talkgroup to enable interoperable communications between both public and private entities.
Created by Seattle Public Utilities and operating on SkyTerra's satellite communications network, I-SMART will serve government and private sector critical infrastructure agencies, including transportation and utility/public work entities involved in distribution/support of water, electricity, gas and petroleum, throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.
"The creation of I-SMART expands SkyTerra's SMART program across borders, providing critical and interoperable, inter-agency communications across multiple states, provinces and nations," said Jim Corry, vice president of customer solutions for SkyTerra. "Additional international talkgroups are currently under development and, along with the other SMART talkgroups, will provide essential emergency-related communications between users of the talkgroups."
I-SMART joins SkyTerra’s network of six nationwide and nine regional SMART talkgroups providing public service organizations – and now private sector critical infrastructure agencies – a rapid, reliable and interoperable tool to communicate for both day-to-day operations and in times of emergency.
Working with SkyTerra, the Seattle Public Utilities, Office of Emergency Management (SPU-OEM) will manage, provide 24x7 monitoring and approve participation in I-SMART by government and appropriate private sector users with a critical infrastructure/public works mission.
"The I-SMART talkgroup will serve as an important supplement to existing interoperable communications at all levels of critical infrastructure," said Ned Worcester, manager of I-SMART for SPU-OEM. "For critical infrastructure entities already using SkyTerra’s technology, this talkgroup represents a major step forward in critical infrastructure interoperability, particularly when terrestrial networks are damaged or congested."
All critical infrastructure entities with active accounts on the SkyTerra network are eligible and encouraged to join I-SMART at no charge by way of application to SPU-OEM. A copy of the Standard Operating Procedures and application are available from: ISMART-SPU@seattle.gov or by calling (206) 233-2000.
SkyTerra is developing an integrated satellite-terrestrial communications network, based on SkyTerra"s patented ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) technology. The company expects its next-generation network will provide seamless, transparent and ubiquitous wireless coverage of the United States and Canada to conventional handsets. SkyTerra plans to launch two of the most powerful commercial satellites ever built that will enable this network to support communications in a variety of market segments including public safety, homeland security, aviation, transportation and entertainment, by providing a platform for interoperable, user-friendly and feature-rich voice and high-speed data services.
International Association of Fire Chiefs and SkyTerra Publish Information Paper on Communications Interoperability
Paper Describes Capabilities of Satellite Mutual Aid Radio Talkgroups
Reston, Va.
March 3, 2009
The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Technology Council, in cooperation with SkyTerra Communications, has published an extensive information paper on the Satellite Mutual Aid Radio Talkgroup Program (SMART™) and how it enables and improves interoperable communications for public safety operations.
The paper, A SMART™ Model for Interoperable Communications, provides an in-depth look at the network of nationwide and regional talkgroups that provide effective, interoperable communications for pubic safety and emergency response operations. The program is managed and administered by a variety of federal, state and local public safety organizations. The paper was developed by the IAFC Technology Council.
“Achieving interoperable communications nationwide is an increasingly high priority for policymakers as well as for the public safety and emergency response communities,” noted Chief Charles Werner, chair of the IAFC Technology Council. In the paper, Chief Werner describes how the SMART program tackles the financial and governance challenges that often impede the development of interoperable public safety communications. To use the SMART program, an agency must subscribe to SkyTerra’s service.