Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext Paris: ETL) is collaborating with NetHope to improve connectivity solutions for humanitarian organisations mobilised in West Africa since the outbreak of the Ebola crisis.
Satellite broadband equipment that will deliver videoconferencing services, Internet access and voice communications has arrived in Accra, Ghana, where the U.N. has located its Mission for Ebola Emergency Response. The terminals are now headed to Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea to be deployed in areas with little-to-no-existing communications capacity with the intention of helping aid workers curb the spread of Ebola.
Communicating direct to a Eutelsat satellite, the terminals will be able to deliver 1.2 terabytes of data over the coming six months. They will enable doctors and healthcare workers to benefit from a robust communications network that can be self-installed, is up and running in less than two hours and can be easily relocated to follow relief organisations working on the frontline.
Established in 2001, NetHope’s mission is to help humanitarian organisations benefit from the best information communication technology so they can focus on their mission of serving people during crises such as the Ebola epidemic where aid workers say limited Internet and data connectivity in isolated areas is a significant obstacle to relief. Improving communications between organisations and their field offices in remote parts of the world where infrastructure is limited or absent is a key strategic focus for NetHope.
“Communications is an essential resource during times of crisis,” said Frank Schott, NetHope Managing Director of Global Programs. “Eutelsat’s contributions of equipment and technical expertise will help emergency responders working in West Africa to coordinate the delivery of lifesaving patient and family care services. Our work wouldn’t be possible without partners like Eutelsat.”
About Eutelsat Communications
Established in 1977, Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is one of the world’s leading and most experienced operators of communications satellites. The company provides capacity on 35 satellites to clients that include broadcasters and broadcasting associations, pay-TV operators, video, data and Internet service providers, enterprises and government agencies. Eutelsat’s satellites provide ubiquitous coverage of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific and the Americas, enabling video, data, broadband and government communications to be established irrespective of a user’s location. Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat represents a workforce of 1,000 men and women from 32 countries who are experts in their fields and work with clients to deliver the highest quality of service.
For more about Eutelsat please visit www.eutelsat.com
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