Satellite Communications Critical Infrastructure for Disaster Response Gonzalo de Dios, Associate General Counsel May 25, 2018 1
2 Intelsat s Mission Envision The Impossible Through a More Digitally Inclusive Society Connect The Remaining 4 Billion People Who Do Not Have Access to Affordable, Reliable, Broadband Connectivity Transform Economies Communities Lives
3 Connecting People, Communities and Nations Intelsat provides services to over 90 wireless operators around the world for extension networks and infrastructure connectivity Intelsat works with governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and service providers around the world to deploy broadband connectivity for commercial and economic development Services are provided via our Globalized Network, which includes ~50 in-service GSO satellites covering 99% of the earth s populated regions and fully integrated terrestrial network
4 Natural Disasters Challenge Existing Communications Infrastructures Natural disasters are on the rise around the world Present a significant challenge to existing communications infrastructure Leave severe structural, social and economic damage in their wake
5 Economic and Human Impact of Natural Disasters Is Devastating 2005-2014 Source: UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Disaster Statistics
Communications Infrastructure Is Essential for Disaster Response and Relief Top 10 Communication Methods in a Disaster Setting: Warning 1. Social Media 2. Mobile Applications (Apps) 3. Cell Phone 4. Landline Telephone 5. Satellite Phone 6. Two-way Radio 7. Citizens Band Radio 8. Amateur Radio 9. Police Scanner 10. Word-of-Mouth Preparedness Reconstruction Communication and Response Mitigation and Recovery All of these are great, if power, Internet, and access to the electronic devices are still available. But what happens when they are not? Source: Adjusters International, Top 10 Communication Methods in a Disaster Setting (May 31, 2015) 6
7 Satellites Are Critical Backbone for Communications Infrastructure Independent of terrestrial infrastructure Deliver instant infrastructure Provide the load sharing and surge capacity solutions for larger sites Offer greater redundancy Provide a more reliable platform Deliver resiliency during a time of crisis
8 Banding Together through the Smart Sustainable Development Model SSDM supplements ongoing efforts by the ITU s Development Bureau Links the use of ICTs to help reduce disaster risk and to support management efforts during a natural disaster 3 Working Groups: Volunteers for Emergency Telecommunications (VET); Global Emergency Fund for Rapid Response (GEF), Regulatory Toolkit and Guidelines
9 WG Regulatory Toolkit and Guidelines Focuses on capacity building program for regulators and policy makers Outlines stakeholders/respective roles Identifies country s needs, existing mechanisms and gaps Provides tools to develop concrete actions to facilitate the trans-border movement of ICT equipment Fosters a policy and regulatory environment to quickly move ICT equipment into affected countries during emergencies Advocates best practices/regulatory measures Helps develop detailed work plan
10 Toolkit Checklist Assessment of the current readiness and identification of new processes and regulatory measures to be established Checklist to evaluate the types of specific practices that should be developed, taking into account the needs of each administration Four categories: Preparedness putting a plan and policy in place Policy Guidelines and Tools establishing regulatory procedures and policies Communication ensuring all involved entities are informed and coordinated Pre-positioning and Training equipment in country and regular training
11 Donate equipment that is stored in humanitarian depots around the world Crisis Connectivity Charter Pre-allocate satellite bandwidth to cover all regions of the globe for humanitarian purposes Provide training and capacity building for WFP and ETC partners field-staff on the installation and use of satellite equipment
Satellite Technology in Action Improving Economics & Simplifying Access 12
Hurricane Maria U.S. Virgin Islands 13
14 Satellite Technology in Action U.S. Virgin Islands Due to the isolated nature of communities and damage to the island, equipment was moved from the airport to installation locations using planes, helicopters, boats, and allterrain vehicles
15 Satellite Technology in Action U.S. Virgin Islands A satellite terminal deployed on the roof of a fire station in the USVI, which had become a community center, and was used to provide public Wi-Fi access and backhaul connectivity for a Cellular kit in order to reestablish 911 connectivity to the isolated community Help.NGO Disaster Immediate Response Team (DIRT) setting up a VSAT terminal at Caneel Bay, where NGO relief efforts were being coordinated and where FEMA had command personnel lodged
16 Satellite Technology in Action U.S. Virgin Islands The Help.NGO DIRT team staged a terminal in Peter Bay while Hurricane Maria passed over, allowing the team to immediately install the equipment once the wind had died down, and the terminal was used for damage assessments be sent out to the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Marines, and FEMA The Help.NGO DIRT team set up an inflatable terminal at the only hospital and helipad in St John, so that connectivity could be used by the hospital, NGO s, FEMA, and the U.S. Military to coordinate medical evacuations and supply delivery The Help.NGO DIRT team set up a inflatable terminal on a seaside clinic in St John, which became the primary care facility on the island after the only hospital in St John was destroyed
Hurricane Maria Puerto Rico 17
18 Satellite Technology in Action Puerto Rico The Help.NGO DIRT team received an urgent message from the government of Vieques, Puerto Rico that they did not have the ability to communicate and coordinate relief, so they quickly mobilized and in less than 12 hours deployed via helicopter and installed an inflatable terminal on the roof of the Mayor s office The Help.NGO DIRT team connected an ATM, a pharmacy (for Medicare processing), and a Cellular kit for 911 connectivity
19 Satellite Technology in Action Puerto Rico Satellite was critical in addressing the communications needs of Puerto Rico, which suffered the most devastating storms on record and left the island in the midst of an elongated humanitarian crisis Intelsat, in conjunction with Kymeta and Liberty Global, used satellite technology to restore connectivity via vehicles outfitted with flat panel terminals These vehicles travelled to impacted towns across the island, setting up free Wi-Fi hotspots and providing critical services to local residents with no access to other forms of connectivity One of the most notable upshots was the influx of successful FEMA aid applications, as well as access to ATM services, medical services, and the ability to connect to family and friends
Satellite Technology in Action Bringing Connectivity Back Online in Puerto Rico 20
Satellite Technology in Action Bringing Connectivity Back Online in Puerto Rico 21
22 An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure Proper preparation can help mitigate financial and communication service impacts due to planned or unplanned disruptions As countries develop national emergency and disaster communications plans, satellite solutions should be part of those plans Don t wait until it s TOO LATE!
Thank You 23