SIA's "First Responder's Guide to Satellite Communications" is a comprehensive overview and tutorial of satellite technology and its role in response to natural or man-made disasters. The Guide contains an overview of satellite communications capabilities; voice, video and data applications; equipment overviews, and basic, easy-to-follow steps for connecting with a satellite through various types of terminals. A glossary of frequencies, terms and definitions takes the mystery out of the technology for first time users.

In his remarks before a general session of the APCO today, SIA Executive Director David Cavossa said, "There are many misperceptions about satellite communications and the complexity of this technology. With this Guide we hope to highlight the critical role satellite communications have played and will continue to play when terrestrial networks fail for whatever reason."

APCO International President Wanda McCarley echoed the importance of integrating satellites into public safety communications networks: "Satellite communications offers a unique resource to the field of public satellite communications. While no single technology can fully support all of public safety's communications' requirements, the features of a non-terrestrial based platform provide a unique and important communications link."

"As we approach the 2006 storm season and with the predictions by NOAA of 'an active Atlantic hurricane season,' there is no better time to be examining the emergency communications infrastructure," Cavossa told the APCO audience. "Access to reliable and redundant communications is crucial to the efforts of disaster relief operations where quick response translates into lives saved" he said.

SIA is targeting its new Guide to the entire emergency communications chain, from emergency responders, to local sheriff departments, to state emergency preparedness officials, to federal emergency communications officials and policy makers holding responsibility for disaster relief and continuity of communications.

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