admin, Author at Remote Satellite Systems International

Get Your Emergency Operations Center Prepared to Face Any Challenge

Posted on February 8, 2022February 14, 2022

During a disaster, city, county, and state agencies need the ability to coordinate their responses in real-time. When safety, lives, and property are on the line, every second counts.

To make matters more challenging, natural disasters or other events may damage or otherwise disable terrestrial means of communication. How can first responders and other public safety officials ensure they always have access to reliable, rapid communication and interoperability between agencies? By utilizing a well-equipped Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

What is an Emergency Operations Center (EOC)?

An EOC provides a secure, centralized location for teams to coordinate relief efforts and dispatch resources for any event threatening the community, including floods, fires, earthquakes, terrorist attacks, or disease outbreaks.

EOCs typically have four primary functions:

Information collection, analysis, and distribution
Resource support, including allocation and tracking
Plan coordination and assessment
In some cases, providing policy direction and coordination

EOCs operate similarly to an operations center (or a command-and-control center), however, unlike an operations center designed for a single organization, EOCs often serve as a central command center for a multi-disciplinary team. The buildings house everything needed for emergency response, from personnel and equipment to the latest in communication technology. This allows the team to handle not only on-the-ground relief efforts but also to field incoming crisis communications, such as press inquiries or calls from concerned citizens.

Design a Fully Equipped EOC at any Scale with Remote Satellite Systems

Regardless of whether it’s a global pandemic or a natural disaster, reliable communication is essential for dealing with a public health crisis quickly and effectively. An EOC may be one of the most critical investments local governments and public safety agencies can make.

Remote Satellite Systems has worked with state and local agencies for decades to design EOCs that not only meet their current needs but also continue to provide reliable, cutting-edge backup LTE, cellular and satellite communication solutions and coordination well into the future.

For example, our team was contacted to design a redundant system that allowed for robust and reliable satellite communication in the San Francisco Public Safety Building at Mission Bay. We began by implementing an integrated communications suite within the command center, opting for a 1.8-meter Ku-Band VSAT antenna positioned on the roof of the building. When the system senses terrestrial communication systems have been disrupted, emergency personnel can immediately deploy redundant, simultaneous satellite voice and data capability throughout the building. Additionally, the implementation of regional and statewide talk groups provides interoperability and redundant lines of communication to out-of-area emergency responders, allowing for coordinated relief efforts state and nationwide.

Whether you’re planning to construct a new EOC or renovate an existing one, Remote Satellite Systems’ turnkey services make it easy to stay connected at all times, in every situation. While developing your EOC, we’ll consider every factor, including the size of your team, current communication challenges, future needs, and the types of events you’ll be monitoring and coordinating. We’ll also ensure your EOC is equipped with the latest satellite technology, which will be fully integrated with in-building network wiring and LAN management. In addition, your team will receive full documentation and training, as well as ongoing support for the life of your equipment.

From planning and implementation to consulting and training, Remote Satellite Systems specializes in finding the best communications solutions to meet your requirements, resources, and budget. For more information on planning, implementing, or renovating your EOC with the latest communication technology, call Remote Satellite Systems today at 1-888-989-8199 or contact us online.

Ligado’s MSATe: The PTT Mobile Satellite Radio That Works Where Ever You Need It

Posted on January 10, 2022January 12, 2022

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From worsening natural disasters to a global pandemic, the world has changed rapidly in only a few short years—as have the challenges that law enforcement, public safety, and first responders encounter. Now, more than ever, having the ability to communicate quickly and reliably—outside of vulnerable terrestrial infrastructure—is mission critical.

What’s the solution in an ever-changing world? Ligado’s MSATe Push-to-Talk (PTT) Mobile Satellite Radio.

The Benefits of the MSATe PTT Satellite Radio

In a major disaster, emergency responders come from multiple agencies, and in some cases, other states. This can present a challenge when trying to coordinate relief efforts, as each responder agency has different communication equipment on different networks, channels, or frequencies.

The MSATe PPT satellite radio allows first responders to communicate reliably across agencies on a secure network, from anywhere in North America, all at the push of a button. Designed for use on the Ligado MSAT network, it’s completely independent of terrestrial infrastructure that can be damaged or otherwise disabled from natural disasters or other catastrophic events. Additionally, the MSATe provides a stronger signal in areas where traditional radios lack the necessary signal to function properly. When radios fail, it’s more than a technological problem; in an emergency, it could mean the difference between life and death.

The newest model in the Ligado MSAT lineup, the MSATe features the same unfailing reliability of the MSAT G2 PTT satellite radio, however, it now comes with an enhanced HA40 master headset and more rugged enclosure designed to improve the product’s longevity. It’s cost-effective, powerful, and flexible, supporting PTT, voice, and data communications, as well as GPS capability and interconnectivity with a range of third-party interoperability interfaces.

The MSATe is available in fixed, mobile, and maritime configurations, making it perfect for law enforcement, first responders, military, commercial transportation providers, forestry, construction, and utilities. It’s fully downward compatible and interoperable with all MSAT radios and talk groups; connect to up to 10,000 radios per group or talk privately on a 1-1 PTT call.

Other key features include:

Seamless coverage across North America
Purpose-built for PTT
Highly reliable, even in the most extreme environments
Simple to set up and use
Unlimited PTT Talk Time
Interoperability with local, regional, and national emergency response agencies
Utilizes digital coding and scrambling to prevent eavesdropping or call monitoring
Network flexibility – Interface with your existing terrestrial communication infrastructure
Coverage flexibility – Expand or reduce your radio coverage as your needs change
Traditional telephony, with GETs (Government Emergency Telecommunications System) compatible local phone number assignments
Full support for all MSAT Tracking services
Easy integration with land mobile radio (LMR) networks

Be Prepared for Anything with the MSATe PTT Mobile Satellite Radio

From coordinating search and rescues with outside agencies staying connected in remote locations where cellular and 3G aren’t available, the MSATe offers the most robust solution for your communication challenges. The MSATe Mobile Satellite Radio works wherever—and whenever—you need it to.

To upgrade your critical communications, contact Remote Satellite Systems today at 1-888- 989-8199 or send us a message through our online form.

In-Building Infrastructure Solutions for Public Safety and Disaster Relief

Posted on December 6, 2021January 14, 2022

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Push-to-talk satellite phones are an effective and reliable way to stay connected when your team is out in the field, but they often don’t work indoors. Unsurprisingly, this can create issues when it comes to communicating effectively with those stationed in the command center.

Fortunately, there’s a solution: in-building infrastructure.

In-Building Infrastructure Solutions for Public Safety Agencies

Southern Marin Fire Protection District2

An emergency operations center (EOC) or office of emergency services (OES) serves a critical role in every phase of emergency management, from disaster relief coordination to directing recovery and clean-up. These typically include a variety of equipment that relies on terrestrial-based connectivity, such as monitors, PC workstations, video walls, and phones.

Using in-building infrastructure, both of these vital components—land-based equipment and satellite communications—can be brought together in one building, allowing for connectivity between those in the field and those in the command center.

One example of this is the work Remote Satellite Systems performed for the Southern Marin Fire Protection District and Marin County Rural Fire Departments. In order to bridge the communications gap between land and satellite, we provided the department with both a secure internet connection and push-to-talk satellite radio communications. We mounted MSAT satellite terminals on the station’s communication towers and the highest points on the roofs. This ensured they have a constant connection to the Skyterra 2 geosynchronous satellite – plus the ability to tie into the state OES talk group, SKYMARS, linking them to all the surrounding stations with the push of a button.

Remote Satellite also worked closely with the San Francisco Ambulance Deployment Facility (aka Station 49) during its build phase to create a plan that allowed for vital equipment to be integrated directly into the building.

If You Have a Communication Challenge, We Have a Solution

San Francisco Ambulance Deployment Facility Station 49

Regardless of your communication challenges, Remote Satellite Systems has effective, reliable solutions for state and local agencies. Our turnkey services include everything from new build consulting and sales to full, ongoing support for your equipment until it becomes obsolete.

Click here to shop all of our products.

With over 25 years of expertise in planning, installing, and maintaining in-building infrastructure, you can feel assured that your EOC or OES will operate effectively and reliably in any disaster environment. For more information on how we can help you upgrade your existing infrastructure or plan a new build, contact Remote Satellite Systems at (888) 989-8199 or fill out our online form.

Subject: Reliable pole-to-pole global coverage

Posted on November 5, 2021January 14, 2022

With the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more vital than ever to have reliable, global coverage.

From staying updated on the latest travel requirements to ensuring a dependable means of contacting first responders in times of trouble, Iridium’s Certus 350 provides a robust means of staying connected, regardless of your location.

With speeds of up to 352 Kbps, Certus provides truly mobile internet and voice access around the globe, with a level of reliability, scalability, and coverage that’s unmatched.

An ideal system for aviation, maritime, and land communication, Certus offers a variety of powerful features:

IoT applications
Voice Telephony
Cloud-based internet connectivity
Data transfer in short bursts
Streaming up to 256 Kbps
Supports up to 3 telephone lines

If you’d like to learn more about satellite communications that can give you access to data wherever you are in the world, contact Remote Satellite Systems today at 1-888-989-8199.

Optimize your EOC’s coordination efforts

Posted on October 11, 2021October 11, 2021

When disaster strikes, state and local agencies need the ability to coordinate a real-time response. The safety of the community, and first responders themselves, depends on having a reliable means of communication at all times.

In many cases, each unit’s response is organized through an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to ensure all areas in need are served, and all activities are safe, streamlined, and well-coordinated.

These centralized locations are also ideal for housing personnel, equipment, and communication technology used in disaster response—making them a critical investment for state and local governments.

Remote Satellite Systems has successfully planned and built out the emergency satellite communication infrastructure throughout the San Francisco Bay Area over the past 30 years.

From state and local agencies to private companies, we have extensive experience with planning, implementing, and maintaining EOCs for improved coordination efforts.

Whether you’re planning a new EOC or a renovation, we can help ensure it meets all your communication requirements. This includes the latest satellite technology, LAN management and design, RedPhone, and the satellite and ground station infrastructure needed for complete built-in network redundancy.

In addition, Remote Satellite provides full documentation and training on all equipment. We also offer ongoing network support throughout the life of your equipment.

For more information on planning, implementing, or renovating your EOC with the latest communication technology, contact Remote Satellite Systems today at 1-888-989-8199.

GSA Contract with Remote Satellite Systems Extended Another Five Years

Posted on August 2, 2021August 2, 2021

Good intel is critical for making informed decisions. That’s why it’s important to have voice and data telecommunications equipment that can reliably connect the people on the ground, in the air, or on the sea with a worldwide network. Remote Satellite Systems provides the equipment to ensure that people responsible for decisions have the information they need to proceed.

Remote Satellite Systems has been a GSA (General Services Administration) contractor since 2006, which means our services and products are available on the MAS (Multiple Award Schedule). We are proud to announce that our contract has been extended another five years to 2026.

The extension of our contract to 20 years is evidence of our strong partnership with the GSA and ability to provide quality technology equipment for a variety of governmental agencies. Our status as a GSA Schedule Contractor makes our products available to:

Wholly Owned Government Corporations
Mixed-Ownership Government Corporations
Executive Departments
Establishments in the Legislative or Judicial Branch
Executive Agencies
Independent Establishments in the Executive Branch
The Senate
The House of Representatives
Activities Under the Direction of the Architect of the Capitol
District of Columbia

There are a variety of applications for remote satellite technology, from global maritime distress and safety systems to mobile satellite communication devices that are lifelines in disaster areas. You can find our information on the GSA eLibrary at http://www.gsaelibrary.gsa.gov/. Our GSA contract number is GS35F0439S.

You can also peruse our user-friendly website to see the range of solutions we offer for first responders, defense contractors, the military, environmental scientists, disaster relief specialists, seamen, and aeronautical professionals. Call us directly at (888) 989-8199 for GSA pricing. We look forward to working with you!

Designing an Effective Emergency Operations Center

Posted on November 17, 2020November 17, 2020

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When disaster strikes, state and local agencies need the ability to coordinate their responses in real-time. The safety of the community depends on first responders having access to reliable means of communication for effective management of resources and rescue efforts.

In many cases, each unit’s response is coordinated through an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to ensure all areas in need of aid are served and to avoid duplicating activities, much like federal command and control centers. These secure centralized locations are used for housing personnel, equipment, and communication technology, all of which are utilized in the disaster response.

The units working on the scene depend on this space and the technology to keep disaster response streamlined, safe, and well-coordinated, making an EOC a critical investment for state and local governments. However, due to the communications equipment on-site, EOCs require regular care and maintenance from a dedicated and experienced partner.

In-Building Emergency Management Solutions

Remote Satellite Systems has successfully planned and built out the emergency satellite communication infrastructure throughout the San Francisco Bay area over the past 30 years. Our in-building emergency management solutions have aided state and local government agencies, as well as private companies, to plan, implement, and effectively maintain a centralized communication center for improved coordination efforts.

Whether you’re planning an EOC new build or a renovation, Remote Satellite will consider what’s necessary to accommodate antenna placement and its cabling. We specialize in Turnkey design and provide full documentation and training on all equipment. Your EOC will be equipped with the latest satellite technology, fully integrated with in-building network wiring and LAN management and design to provide backup internet and voice data locations throughout the facility.

We can install unique, powerful dual east and west coast satellite and ground station infrastructure to ensure you have full built-in network redundancy, as well as RedPhone, an in-band private telephone network to provide interoperability with other first responders. In addition, Remote Satellite offers continued network support throughout the life of your equipment.

For more information on planning, implementing, or renovating your EOC with the latest communication technology, contact Remote Satellite Systems today at 1-888-989-8199.

Get Prepared for Fire Season with Push-to-Talk Radio

Posted on October 19, 2020October 19, 2020

Wildfires can have a devastating effect on crucial lines of communication. During the 2017 Northern California wildfires, 77 cell towers were destroyed. When fire struck the region again in 2019, communication was even more limited; due to fire damage and planned power outages, at least 874 cellphone towers were unavailable.

For those in the affected communities, lacking communication during the fires was disconcerting, to say the least; it was also dangerous because many were unable to access information and updates about evacuations. But the inability to communicate during a regional disaster is even more serious when it comes to first responders.

Mark Ghilarducci, California’s director of the Office of Emergency Services said in January that the loss of hundreds of cell towers and data lines in October 2019 was a “worst-case scenario” for emergency responders, with ”911 centers and hospital centers being unable to process critical data or leverage important records.”

The fires have shown us how any disruption to emergency communications is a severe public safety threat. And based on what we’ve seen in the past couple of years, it’s likely that Northern California will continue to have an annual fire season. Even if there was a public safety grid, as proposed by Ghilarducci, having an emergency backup system in place that’s not reliant on terrestrial service is essential.

Whether heading to a fire or tackling another form of disaster, first responders need to have access to reliable, consistent communication. Without it, their ability to stay connected to the control center, assist victims, or even communicate with others on their team is severely impacted. Terrestrial networks, like land mobile radios (LMR) or cellular long-term evolution (LTE) services are often heavily impacted during a disaster.

Satellite communications, on the other hand, are unaffected by terrestrial matters. This makes satellite-enabled push-to-talk (PTT) radio an ideal solution. PTT radio allows first responders to stay connected even in the most remote locations – regardless of the type of disaster they’re facing. The radios also work in conjunction with existing LMR communications, giving you the interoperability you need to stay connected in any situation.

We can’t prevent natural disasters from occurring, but taking proactive measures to improve communications is a sure way to increase the safety of your team and the community. For more information about incorporating PTT into your organization or to have a system tailored to your communication requirements, contact Remote Satellite Systems at 1-888-989-8199.

From the Desk of Rob Rosen

Posted on June 17, 2020June 23, 2020

Remote Satellite Systems has been helping local governments, law enforcement agencies, first responders, and other organizations have access to reliable communication systems for 20 years. From the beginning, we’ve been at the forefront of satellite technology – a fact that continues to excite and drive us. The great thing about having such extensive experience in the industry is that it allows us to provide our clients with the best possible product and service solutions to their problems.

By using what we already know and have done for other clients, we can create effective communication systems more efficiently. We know what works for each type of organization because we’ve seen it in action. We have an understanding of each sector’s needs, the challenges, and which products and services will fit their requirements exactly. We also know which products will be a good fit for the technical capabilities of the people who’ll be using them. Not only does this address the need that brought the client to us in the first place, but it also ensures that they’re able to be more effective and efficient themselves and have built-in future scalability options.

Interoperability is factored into everything we do. County officials, city governments, law enforcement, and first responders all need to be connected in the event of a disaster. By working with this in mind, we ensure that these agencies have what they need to stay connected, regardless of the emergency. As many natural disasters generally affect the larger geographic region, first responders and local governments need a reliable way to communicate with outside organizations as well. By broadening the scope when we create communication systems, we can ensure that the organization we’re working with can communicate with any agency they need to reach when they need to reach them.

We also think about the interoperability of the equipment and services when designing our systems. In times of disaster or emergencies, often the only reliable communication networks are satellite-based. Satellite networks provide immediate voice and data connectivity, with redundancy that isn’t dependent on phone lines or other regional terrestrial infrastructure that may be damaged or ineffective during an emergency. Since radio is now digital and able to be integrated with satellite communications, first responders can stay mobile and connected to their home agency or outside ones, regardless of where they are.

When Remote Satellite Systems worked with San Francisco International Airport, it was critical for the Emergency Operations Center and 911 planners to have the ability to communicate while being away from central command in the event of an emergency. By setting up the latest in MSAT satellite technology and giving emergency personnel push-to-talk radio capability, as well as handheld satphones, staff had access to reliable, redundant means of communication at all times.

In addition to creating systems that fully support our clients’ present and future communication needs with turn-key solutions, we are also an Airtime Service Provider that includes network and airtime support services. Satellite systems are complex, and in many situations, our clients don’t have the time or the technical expertise to fix issues as they happen. We are always a phone call away, and you can talk to a real person who will know how to get your system working as it should, quickly and efficiently. This saves time, resources, and better yet, allows our clients to continue focusing on their essential operations.

Whatever your organization’s communication challenges are, Remote Satellite has a solution. With our experience and in-depth knowledge of our products and their capabilities, we know how to create a system that will allow your team to stay connected – regardless of the emergency or location.

A Game-changer for the Satellite Industry and Internet Data Users, as Iridium Launches the Fastest L-band Speeds Available

Posted on April 3, 2020April 3, 2020

For the first time ever there is an omnidirectional SATCOM that can attain internet data speeds of 700 Kbps on a small antenna platform that does not require pointing. No longer are the larger and heavier auto-acquire antenna systems necessary for On-The-Move Comms or In-Building emergency backup communications.

Iridium Certus 700 service is now commercially available, offering the fastest L-band speeds in the industry. This is a significant upgrade. When Iridium Certus 350 was first launched in 2019, it offered upload and download speeds of up to 352 kbps. Iridium Certus 700 has doubled top download speeds to 704 kbps, at no additional cost to Certus 350 subscribers. No new hardware is required for existing subscribers to take advantage of Iridium Certus 700; terminals are upgraded via a firmware rollout through service providers. All new terminals will come with Iridium Certus 700 capability.

What Is Certus?

Iridium Certus is the only broadband service that offers global, weather-resistant coverage for on-the-move internet and high-quality voice access. Due to its small size and cost-effective antennas and terminals, Iridium Certus has been increasingly adopted by maritime and land-mobile/connected vehicle markets.

With the launch of this upgrade, global maritime communications are faster than ever. Iridium Certus is delivered through the Cobham Sailor 4300 and VesseLink by Thales satellite terminals and can serve as a primary ship communication or a VSAT companion service. Iridium Certus terminals provide high-speed L-band connectivity regardless of a vessel’s location or weather conditions, giving crews access to IoT services, improved ship communications, faster web browsing, and reliable use of smartphone apps.

How Does It Work

In the land-mobile and vehicular markets, Iridium Certus is delivered through Thales MissionLINK, providing railways, first responders, governments, and NGOs with reliable comms-on-the-move connectivity anywhere in the world. The terminal allows for easy switching between satellite and cellular connectivity for mobile-office functions to help manage costs. Additionally, the faster speeds can enhance a range of applications, such as telemedicine for remote aid workers, situational awareness updates for militaries, or video monitoring for first responders. Regardless of the application, communication is maintained even when terrestrial connectivity isn’t available.

“There is nothing on the market today that matches the quality, reliability, speed and global coverage Iridium Certus delivers, and the Iridium Certus 700 upgrade clearly demonstrates this,” said Bryan Hartin, executive vice president of Iridium. “Iridium Certus is now the standard when it comes to providing primary maritime or VSAT companion service, and a reliable weather-resilient broadband solution for mobile applications supporting railways, first responders, and any industry regularly working beyond the reach of terrestrial coverage.”

For access to reliable, high-quality satellite connectivity across the globe, contact Remote Satellite Systems at 1-888-989-8199.

Author: admin