Relief Organizations in Israel and New Zealand Opt for Satellite Communications

Magen David Adom in Israel and The New Zealand Red Cross, both members of the International Red Cross, have purchased Iridium satellite communications equipment for use in relief efforts. Iridium says it is ideal for backing up land-based, cellular and radio telecom services when they are down in crisis situations. In addition, unlike many other systems, Iridium is interoperable with all other emergency communications systems, including UHF and VHF radios, as well as others."Iridium is the logical satellite service of choice for these organizations' emergency communications," said Greg Ewert, executive vice president, Iridium Satellite. "Recent disasters have revealed the extreme vulnerability of fixed landlines and cellular phone networks, leaving first responders in affected areas unable to communicate with each other or with the outside world. Iridium is a critical mobile solution that can play a key role in more efficient and effective emergency planning, emergency response and disaster cleanup."

Magen David Adom purchased Iridium 9505A handsets for emergency back-up if the communications infrastructure is compromised in Israel or other remote locations where the organization is called to assist in rescue missions. The organization is also exploring options to equip their headquarters with indoor satcom units. The purchase was made through local Iridium Satellite partner, Gilat Satcom.

"Instant communications play a vital role in our disaster relief efforts," Dr. Noam Yifrah, chairman, Magen David Adom. "Having reliable back-up communications that will work when we need it both at home and in remote locations is critical to our success."

The New Zealand Red Cross also purchased Iridium 9505A handsets and is distributing the majority of them to various Red Cross National Societies in the Pacific including Fiji, Cook Islands, Samoa and Tonga. These phones were made operational within minutes of arriving in the Solomon Islands for use during the recent tsunami, for example, when land-based communications were unavailable. Each Iridium phone is housed in a "talking briefcase" that includes a SolStar Solar Charger, spare battery and external waterproof charging socket. The briefcase remains watertight even when the Iridium handset is being charged from an external source, and the phone is ready for use once the briefcase is opened. The purchase of Iridium handsets and airtime was through Wright Technologies, a New Zealand-based hardware and air time dealer for Applied Satellite Technologies (AST).

"In the event of a disaster, Red Cross aid workers of Pacific Red Cross National Societies will be able use the phones to communicate with each other, or to the outside world, anywhere in the world," said Andrew McKie, operations manager, New Zealand Red Cross. "The Iridium satellite phones are simple to use and do not rely on fixed structures, such as masts and aerials. The recent tsunami demonstrated the importance of independence from fixed structures. It is essential to have this extra communications back-up."