Sat industry pushes disaster recovery initiative

June 28, 2006

In the aftermath of the recent earthquakes in Indonesia and Pakistan, and one week after the start of hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico, the global satellite communications industry in coordination with the international emergency management sector has developed a comprehensive global program that aims to facilitate more effective provision of fixed and mobile satellite solutions to address natural and man-made disasters.

These opportunities will be discussed during the 8th Annual GVF Satellite Summit on Nov. 28, dubbed "Satellite-Based Disaster Recovery: Redefining the Critical Mission."

As a focal point for the initiative, GVF has developed an online Emergency Management Portal at www.gvf.org that provides the disaster-recovery community with free access to critical information and updates on a wide range of satellite solutions, including five vital services, including rapid access to state-of-the-art services, provision of GVF-certified technicians, delivery of satellite training to UN aid agencies, implementation of effective regulation, and organization of communications workshops.