Two satellite companies announced efforts to help Haitian relief efforts following the devastating January earthquake that killed thousands of people and destroyed communications.

Spacenet and EchoStar Satellite Services announced a collaborative effort to deliver two-way satellite communications involving space and ground equipment to the American Red Cross to aid in relief efforts. The donations include high-speed broadband data and digital voice capability using the EchoStar IX satellite located at 121 degrees W.L. In addition, Spacenet is contributing very small aperture terminal (VSAT) equipment for two-way communications supporting emergency personnel working in Haiti. The equipment arrived in Port au Prince last week and will support four Red Cross relief sites.

“The contribution of communications companies like Spacenet and EchoStar are critical for the ability of the American Red Cross to help the people of Haiti and aid in restoring the infrastructure,” said David Meltzer, senior vice president for International Services at the American Red Cross.

Spacenet’s VSAT systems include small dish antennas and two-way ground stations that are transportable and can be deployed quickly, providing a wireless link independent of the local terrestrial infrastructure that was significantly damaged in the earthquake.

Separately, Iridium Communications and service partner Tecnologías de Control del Norte (TECNOR) announced that the Mexican Red Cross, the United Nations and multiple other Mexican government agencies have increased their use of Iridium 9555 satellite phones in support of Haiti relief and recovery efforts.

These TECNOR customers had the ability to make their Iridium phones and service operational within minutes of arriving in Haiti for use following earthquake. “Instant communications play a vital role in our ongoing disaster relief and recovery efforts,” said Isaac Oxenhaut, national disaster relief coordinator of the Mexican Red Cross. “The Mexican Red Cross is using Iridium service for reliable, real-time communications between our team in Haiti and our headquarters in Mexico.”

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