The 25 April 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal and subsequent aftershocks have disrupted last mile communications to communities with millions of people needing medical and other relief support. Intelsat (NYSE: I) has donated its satellite services to two organizations making a difference in the region: the American Red Cross working in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and Team Rubicon. These organizations are deploying satellite-based broadband networks to support critical medical and logistical operations in the region.
The Red Cross network is utilizing capacity on Intelsat 906 located at 64° E, linking via the IntelsatOne® terrestrial network at Intelsat’s Fuchsstadt, Germany Teleport to support internet and Voice over Internet Phone (VoIP) service to remote hospitals in Nepal, providing field aid workers with connectivity that improves safety, morale and peace of mind in the wake of the disaster.
“With the connectivity provided by Intelsat, the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network is better able to deliver relief to tens of thousands of people dealing with the effects of the earthquake that killed thousands and injured many more in Nepal,” said David Meltzer, General Counsel and Chief International Officer at the American Red Cross. “Communications are key to the global relief effort underway and being able to provide voice and data connectivity between Nepal and the rest of the world is a critical tool in our disaster relief work.”
Separately, Intelsat is also supporting a network established by Team Rubicon, a disaster response organization that unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to deploy emergency response teams, to further aid in their relief efforts. Team Rubicon brought medical supplies and sent several teams to aid the Nepalese people.
“When a natural disaster occurs, broadband connectivity is an essential component to ensuring that relief organizations are able to identify and prioritize the needed services and resources as they deliver aid to those impacted by the tragic event,” said Kurt Riegelman, Intelsat Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “Given the nature of satellite technology and our global fleet, we are able to deliver the rapid response and deployment of critical communications necessary to support organizations as they provide needed assistance to those impacted. Our thoughts are with the people of Nepal and the men and women from all over the world who are coming to their aid.”
Additional Resources
– Photo: A member of the Japanese Red Cross uses a VSAT-enabled phone in support of a field hospital in a remote portion of Nepal
– Photo: American Red Cross IT-Telecommunications Emergency Response Unit (ERU) member in Dhunche, Nepal
About Intelsat
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) is the world’s leading provider of satellite services, delivering high performance connectivity solutions for media, fixed and mobile broadband infrastructure, enterprise and government and military applications. Intelsat’s satellite, teleport and fiber infrastructure is unmatched in the industry, setting the standard for transmissions of video and broadband services. From the globalization of content and the proliferation of HD, to the expansion of cellular networks and mobile broadband access, with Intelsat, envision your future network, connect using our leading satellite technology and transform your opportunities.
Envision…Connect…Transform…with Intelsat. For more information, visit www.intelsat.com.
About American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the United States’ blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or on Twitter at @RedCross.
About Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon’s primary mission is providing disaster relief between the moment a disaster happens and the point at which conventional aid organizations respond by uniting the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams. Team Rubicon seeks to provide U.S. military veterans with three things they lose after leaving the military: a purpose, gained through disaster relief; community, built by serving with others; and self-worth, from recognizing the impact one individual can make. For more information, visit www.teamrubiconusa.org.
For further information please contact:
Intelsat
Michele Loguidice
Director, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
Phone: 703.559.7372
Email: Michele.loguidice@intelsat.com
