The USPS satellite network will support a wide range of applications including an innovative video relay service (VRS) for deaf and hard-of-hearing postal employees, multicast content delivery, real-time video broadcasting, VoIP based digital telephone services, as well as routine data transport and point-of-sale transactions. Installation is already substantially under way with all sites expected to be operational by later this fall.
In addition, the network will support the Postal Service demands for continuity of operations by pre-positioning emergency portable VSAT kits in strategically selected locations. These kits provide for rapid deployment to Postal Service facilities should they lose terrestrial voice and data service in the event of a natural or manmade disaster.
Spacenet CEO Andreas Georghiou explained, "With this award, Spacenet has achieved two significant milestones. First, the USPS network represents a large scale deployment of satellite technology for a multitude of uses in the same network. The network is providing communications for both fixed and transportable locations, as well as supporting complete converged communications of voice, video, and data. Second, this contract demonstrates that a team composed of a leading satellite services provider and a major telecom operator, such as Spacenet and Verizon Business, can provide customers with the best of all worlds -- cost effective communications with high availability and world class service. We are delighted with this opportunity to work with Verizon Business and proud to provide critical communications services to one of the largest organizations in the US government."
