Reliable Connectivity Makes the Difference for Federal and State Emergency Responders
Across the United States, disasters can bring damage, devastation, and loss of life to communities in an instant. Emergency responders know that they must react immediately as every second counts. These teams need reliable communications throughout the mission, and they do not want to wait if local communications systems are disrupted. Hughes understands these demands and looks at all possible communications technologies to help deliver critical services to federal and state agencies when citizens need their expertise and support the most. Whether a disaster team needs to respond to a wildfire, a major storm, or any other emergency, we serve as a trusted, single point of contact for networking and communications, utilizing multi-orbit satellite connectivity, together with small, electronically steerable antennas (ESAs), secure ORAN 5G, and terrestrial resources.
Communications Must Provide Reliable Connectivity, Even in Disaster Zones
Hughes has worked closely with the emergency responder community for many years. These first responders need consistent communications, even in the most remote and disaster-ridden locations. When arriving at the disaster location, response teams may find ground-based communications disabled, including cell towers, so quick and easy communications are critical. Using a mobile generator and a satellite terminal supplied by Hughes, internet connectivity and telephone service will quickly support first responders and citizens. Restoring internet access and telephone services very quickly can limit further damage and speed up recovery, especially during the first 24 hours after an emergency.
Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communications in Emergencies
In helping emergency responders plan for the next mission, Hughes has innovative technology that supports low-latency, high-speed communications for any location across the U.S. The Hughes electronically steerable antenna (ESA) connects to the Eutelsat OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network to power connectivity for disaster response workers, restoring connectivity once the terminal is powered on. The Hughes ESA terminal can connect to the first responders’ existing communication equipment, ensuring reliable communications within minutes. The Hughes ESA has proved highly reliable for emergency response teams managing relief in the aftermath of earthquakes, hurricanes, and other emergency environments.
Ease of Satellite Terminal Integration Speeds Response
The Hughes flat panel ESA includes a built-in modem and provides high-performing, low-latency, global connectivity. The Hughes ESA terminals are small, lightweight, and can be transported and deployed in minutes with built-in Wi-Fi, enabling the rapid creation of a network bubble for instant communications. There are a variety of fixed and mobile mounting solutions, including waterproof transport cases designed for deployment in rugged environments. They can also help restore cellular towers impacted by fiber cuts or multi-hop microwave link failures. The ESA is equipped with standard RJ45 Ethernet interfaces, allowing it to connect with and augment existing networks by providing additional capacity.
One key advantage of the Hughes ESA is its ability to integrate quickly with other systems commonly used in emergency scenarios, significantly accelerating the restoration of connectivity in disaster zones. This compatibility ensures that emergency responders can use the ESA technology alongside their current tools with minimal friction. Unlike traditional satellite solutions, LEO satellite networks offer low-latency and consistent high-bandwidth connectivity. This enables seamless video communication with command and control centers.
Hughes and OneWeb’s efforts demonstrate the vital role satellite connectivity can play in disaster relief—bridging the gap when traditional network infrastructure fails and enabling responders to help victims and restore order to an affected area quickly.
5G Systems—Strengthening Emergency Response
Advanced 5G wireless networks are now supporting governments worldwide. This includes using the 5G mobile technology standard to strengthen emergency response. 5G Standalone (SA) networks from Hughes are customized to meet specific mission needs, combining best of breed technologies and services, integrated and managed by the Hughes team of government communications experts.
Personnel who support disaster response are not necessarily trained to use new wireless networks like 5G. The Hughes Government Team is ready to design a 5G network that fits into the emergency plans. Our private 5G network solution is based on open standards, making it compatible with existing tactical mesh and line of sight radio nodes. This private 5G solution can also connect to the Eutelsat OneWeb LEO satellite network to provide reliable backhaul from the disaster to central command centers. Whether for Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, low-latency augmented/virtual reality applications, or high-speed data networking for sharing critical situational awareness, a private 5G system from Hughes offers the resiliency, security, and performance necessary to meet emergency connectivity standards today and into the future.
All these technologies and services help Hughes support partners and users in planning for emergency response communications today and for the future. The Hughes Government Team looks forward to applying this expertise to support government requirements. Learn more about how Hughes can transform your connectivity.