In August 2005, a chemical plant in Romulus, Michigan that specializes in fuel blending, chemical recycling, and recoverable petroleum products, exploded in a fi ery blast. Flames as high as 300 feet lit up the night sky and engulfed most of the plant. No major injuries were reported, but a thin layer of dust that posed a potentially toxic threat required thousands of local residents to evacuate the area until the air was safe to breathe.

Emergency Response

High-speed Internet access was crucial in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) emergency response to monitor air quality and assure the safety of local residents. Because the agency needed to move around and set up its high-speed Internet connection quickly, traditional land lines were inadequate for the mobile command vehicle. That’s where Tony Miri, owner of Miri Microsystems, LLC and a HughesNet dealer, stepped in.

Miri outfitted the EPA’s mobile command vehicle with Hughes’ transportable broadband satellite equipment and HughesNet high-speed Internet access, enabling the EPA to complete its tests. According to EPA’s Jon Gulch, “After having the mobile command post with satellite Internet access at the fi re/explosion in Romulus, I don’t know how we can do our jobs without it.” The EPA also modifi ed other satellite terminals to make them transportable and sent them to Louisiana for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Broadband Satellite Available Everywhere

Broadband satellite is unique because the service is available continent-wide. Unlike terrestrial options, it does not rely on wires or phone lines to provide a reliable, always-on Internet connection. Regardless of geography, the only requirement is for the antenna to have a clear view of the southern sky. “Hughes provides the equipment and service needed to truly help emergency workers,” said Miri. “I partner with Hughes because they provide a reliable and effective service that my customers can count on.”

Focus on Rescue Workers

Continuing his focus on emergency response, Miri has provided the Troy, Michigan Fire Department with a transportable broadband satellite unit and sent employees to Louisiana to contribute to the EPA’s ongoing efforts with Hurricane Katrina relief. “Hughes and HughesNet have been integral in my efforts to assist emergency responders,” said Miri. “HughesNet broadband satellite service resolves a major hurdle faced by these brave men and women.”