BGAN supports relief efforts in quake-struck Java as aid agencies battle to help thousands of victims. Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF) flies in teams and is on standby to send more equipment.
BGAN is helping co-ordinate relief efforts in communities devastated by the massive earthquake that struck Java, claiming more than 5,000 lives.
Inmarsat-sponsored aid agency Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF) swiftly deployed satcoms equipment to set up three communications centres in affected areas near the epicentre of the quake.
In collaboration with the UN, TSF teams from Switzerland and Thailand opened centres at Yogyakarta, Bantul and Klaten.
Three Hughes-built BGAN terminals have been deployed, providing BGAN high-speed data, voice and fax services for UN relief agencies, for local authorities and other rescue organizations.
Three R-BGAN terminals are also providing internet access and e-mail to bolster communications. TSF teams are also armed with seven mini-Ms to help communications where there are interruptions in the cellular networks and for priority calls made by UN relief agencies.
The earthquake, measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale, struck on the morning of May 27 affecting about 200,000 people.
TSF swiftly mobilized and its Bangkok-based south-east Asia unit was in Yogyakarta and operational within 24 hours. A second team arrived to reinforce efforts on May 28.
Further information on TSF visit: www.tsfi.org