Satellite communications infrastructure has indisputably proven to be the most resilient when it comes to terrestrial emergencies. Terrestrial communications infrastructure is centralized and linear in nature which make them highly susceptible to natural disasters. A single break in that linear infrastructure disconnects countless communities proceeding it. On the other hand, the satellite communications link is impervious to terrestrial disasters. With merely a low capacity back-up power supply, hospitals, police stations, community centers and municipalities emergency centers can restore communications right after the event and independent of each other.
Reconnecting a coordinated satellite network takes only minutes to hours, after which predetermined protocols can be put in place to deliver much needed help to those who need it and provide a way to share the information necessary to know what to expect and what resources are needed. CRG's model for an integrated preparedness and response network (CPR) future proofs the island of Puerto Rico against being cut-off in emergencies.
Key Institutions to Benefit
Emergency satellite telecommunication services allows institutions and organizations to continue providing their services without interruption.
Coalition to Fund CPR
CRG is using its contacts and knowledge in assisting in the creation of Centro de Preparación y Respuesta (CPR)”. This effort aims to organize, and manage local, customized, scalable consortiums of organizations with common interests and a strong willingness to collaborate. Together, the members of these groups will take part in a coordinated satellite communications network as an innovative solution to efficiently prepare for, coordinate, recover from, natural and other disasters.
CRG is a member of the Coalition to Fund CPR which seeks to secure funding for CPR.
The FCC recently established the Uniendo a Puerto Rico Fund which makes available up to $750 million to support restoration efforts and provides for “rebuilding, improving and expanding broadband-capable networks in Puerto Rico”. Despite the fund’s mission to “harden [these networks] against future natural disasters,” the FCC proposed rules do not emphasize or provide the environment to encourage and fund technological innovation.
It is extremely important for the Commission support the hardening of existing networks yet is important that new technologies be used to complement, and some areas rural, mountainous and small island municipalities provide what could primary communications connections.
The Role of Your Organization
Organizations like yours were proven to be the backbone of Puerto Rico and its emergency support network. They provided the life-saving services and relief coordination efforts after the storms. Campo Rico Group (CRG) as part of the Fund CPR Coalition recognizes the vital role organizations like yours play in providing services and has therefore incorporated these organizations into resilient emergency telecommunications model – Centros de Preparacion y Respuesta (CPR). It is being designed as innovated, independent satellite-based network. Part of this system are being demonstrated. Continues input from participating organizations is being sought. International emergency telecommunications organizations are providing assistance in its design and will partner with CPR to build the system.
Why this is important to you?
Those organizations in Puerto Rico responsible for providing relief efforts will have an opportunity to be part of a network that will create an independent, innovative, resilient, locally and community-based satellite telecommunications solution.
This satellite solution will provide (in less than one hour after the weather bureau has determined that the natural disaster is no longer a threat) broadband internet service with the capacity for at least 20 simultaneous phone calls and access to internet.
If funded by the FCC, this solution will be free of charge to the member organizations.
Those organizations in the Diaspora that were responsible in for helping Puerto Rico will be able to more effectively coordinate assistance in the event of a future emergency or natural disaster, substantially reducing the cost and response time and increasing the effectiveness of their assistance.
This network is being designed to be, not only resilient but, sustainable.
