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May 5 2006

Iridium Satellite has developed a readily deployable emergency communications package available to government first responders gearing up for the June 1 hurricane season kickoff.

 The Iridium package provides an unmatched mobile, global, interoperable voice and data communications service for when all other lines of communications fail. First responders can tap Iridium's voice and data communications services for asset tracking and redirecting of important equipment, supplies, vehicles, and even personnel, when disaster strikes. States already with experience using Iridium emergency services include Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina and Texas. However, states that can be affected by hurricanes span from Massachusetts to Texas.

"Many states that could be affected by hurricanes this season are still far from being prepared from a communications perspective," said Greg Ewert, executive vice president, Iridium Satellite. "We have a backup communications package that governments can easily use in the event of an emergency. In addition, unlike most other systems, Iridium is interoperable with all other emergency communications systems, including UHF and VHF radios, as well as others."


Communications system interoperability was a major issue first responders faced when Hurricane Katrina hit the U.S. Gulf Coast states in 2005. The Iridium emergency communications package addresses interoperability, as well as the typical concerns first responders face when all other lines of communications go down:


* Mobility/portability -- anywhere in the world

* Quick Setup

* Easy access

* No reliance on any land-based infrastructure (including power, towers,
satellite earth stations or terrestrial interconnects)

* Able to be used in and out-of-doors

* Interoperable with all other first responder communications tools


The Iridium package includes voice communications and data communications tools for first responders.


"Iridium may typically be thought of as a satellite phone in the hands of a first responder," Ewert said. "Increasingly, government customers are seeking Iridium for tracking and redirecting of important assets in an emergency, including critical supplies, vehicles and even personnel. This is done through communications systems based on our data-only transceiver. Many first responders were left vulnerable when it came to asset tracking. Supplies sat by the side of the road because communications were hampered with a lack of deployed mobile satellite services. They were unable to redirect supplies as needed. With our solution, they can stay in touch and stay in control."


The Iridium emergency communications package can include:

* The Iridium 9505A satellite phone

* The Iridium 9522A voice and data transceiver

* The Iridium 9601 data transceiver

* A multi-channel fixed service with a variety of fixed antenna options
for in- and out-of-building use

* Vehicular mount and docking stations

* Solar chargers

* Interoperability platform


In addition, Iridium provides services customized to meet user needs including consulting, training and customer service.


"First responders using Iridium tell us time and again that we're often the only line of communications they have, particularly during and right after a disaster strikes," Ewert said. "When communications infrastructure goes down, they need to get to the disaster scene and connect back to headquarters to coordinate their rescue and relief mission. Iridium is their tool of choice. It usually takes several days for first responders to set up more permanent, fixed communications services in a disaster scene. They use Iridium to keep in touch and to coordinate their rescue mission as it unfolds. And, Iridium is interoperable with all other communications systems as they get up and running."


As witnessed in the direct aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Iridium became an integral tool in all stages of emergency response:


* Disaster warning

* Evacuation

* First Response

* Search and Rescue

* Disaster Assessment

* Reinforcements

* Cleanup

* Rebuilding

* Future Disaster Preparedness


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