Satellite's Role in Achieving Communications Interoperability for Emergency Response and Disaster Relief Operations

摘要

When disasters strike - from hurricanes to airplane crashes - the public safety community's ability to effectively communicate is critical. Unfortunately, terrestrial infrastructure in the U.S. is often unreliable during a natural or man-made disaster. This paper discusses the SMART™ (Satellite Mutual Aid Radio Talkgroup) program. Using satellite technology, SMART provides reliable, interoperable communications for Federal, state, local and tribal public safety officials during emergency situations. The paper includes a description of the technology, recent case studies illustrating its usage and a preview of the next generation of satellite technology and its capabilities.