Custom Emergency Communications Vehicle with Integrated Satellite Services for Disaster Recovery and First Responder Organizations

Spacenet Inc. today introduced its new mobile Emergency Communications Vehicle (ECV) for disaster recovery and first responder organizations. The vehicle serves as a transportable command post that can typically be deployed in ten minutes or less and provides converged data, voice and video communications. The ECV represents Spacenet's new service offering for custom mobile emergency response vehicles. Spacenet debuted the vehicle at a recent event near Washington D.C. attended by local dignitaries and plans to demonstrate the vehicle at other upcoming events.

Although most vehicles the size of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) or larger can be used for emergency response vehicles, Spacenet's vehicle is based on a GM H2 Hummer. Spacenet's ECV can include a fully integrated high-performance satellite communications link; LAN (Local Area Network) communications gear including a digital phone, Land Mobile Radio (LMR) units, laptop PC, and video surveillance equipment; and multiple power interfaces for a generator or other standby power. The satellite link is built around an auto-acquisition antenna mounted to the roof of the vehicle.

With the introduction of its new ECV, Spacenet now provides services to design and produce custom mobile satellite communications systems incorporated into vehicles for disaster recovery and first responder organizations. The equipment can be connected to Spacenet's high-performance Connexstar satellite service or to other private services.

Spacenet senior vice president of marketing and corporate development David Myers said, "Mobile emergency response vehicles have become a critical component for emergency response and disaster recovery efforts, and the demand has been increasing. There are many companies offering services to build emergency communications vehicles, but most of them focus only on integrating equipment. Unlike these companies, Spacenet offers services to design and produce a completely integrated custom solution that includes all necessary components - vehicle, equipment and mobile satellite communications services. Complete solutions like Spacenet's customized Emergency Communications Vehicle are designed to make the mission of emergency response personnel easier."