‘Crisis Connectivity Charter’ recognised with industry reward

The Secretaries General of ESOA and GVF commented, “Satellites are often the only solution available at times of disaster and their ‘always on’ capability enables disaster responders to quickly restore life-saving communications. As one of the first industrial sectors to make concrete commitments for disaster response, the charter signatories appreciate SSPI’s recognition and hopes it will spur greater use of life-saving satellite services and equipment by the humanitarian sector.”

When activated by the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), the Charterwill foster more efficient coordination between the satellite industry, local governments, non-government organizations (NGOs) and the broader humanitarian community in the initial stages of a disaster, allowing for better communication planning, increased connectivity and support to emergency responses.

The Charterdonation agreements provide 3-months free-of-charge bandwidth for humanitarian purposes during disaster responses utilizing pre-positioned satellite equipment at WFP warehouses around the world for rapid deployment. Charter signatories have also committed to provide training for the humanitarian community on the use and deployment of satellite connectivity equipment.

The entities recognised by the award are Arabsat, Eutelsat, Global Eagle, Hispasat, Inmarsat, Intelsat, SES, Thuraya, Yahsat, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and as coordinating entities, EMEA Satellite Operators Association (ESOA) and the Global VSAT Forum (GVF).

About ESOA

ESOA is a non-profit membership organisation dedicated to serving and promoting the common interests of satellite operators from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the CIS. The Association today represents the interests of satellite operators who deliver information communication services across the globe. Together ESOA Members provide invaluable communications services to the whole world, including live broadcasting, emergency communications, maritime and aero communications, secure services for governments, 24/7 monitoring of industrial processes such as energy plants, weather forecasting and a whole range of other communications services.