Need Internet Access.... w/ a twist

[Chimpie]

Okay, here goes: I'm the Communications Officer for our local Red Cross. We've purchased a 20' Mobile Operations Trailer for deployment out in the field to serve as a satellite office. Just recently it was sent from our chapter (in Sarasota, FL) to Miami where Hurricane Katrina made her first landfall.

One of the things that we've wanted to install is some sort of internet access. Seeing how this trailer could be set up anywhere, even possibly out in the middle of a field, we need something wireless. Thinking that cell towers could be down due to damage to towers from strong, hurricane type winds we thought about satellite internet service. But no one around here will touch it. We've talked to DirecTV, RV dealerships/service centers, etc. They all say they are abandoning satellite internet service. The signal is just not strong enough.

Are there any others out there, or another type of service you would recommend?

Thanks,

Chimp

 

[Rogue]

Intel has been deploying WiMAX in the disaster area, so you might look into whether the area you're going to be operating in is covered by this service and if so, what type of equipment you might need. You may as well also consider just purchasing the equipment and keeping it onboard in the event that you move into an area that is equipped one way or the other.

In any case, contact Intel's public relations department and try to get a handle on where they've deployed WiMAX in the areas affected and what equipment is necessary to connect. Hope that helps!

 

[ScottMac]

You have two, maybe three very good options:

INMARSAT, which was originally a maritime comm system (phone, fax, 56K data). If you saw the Segal movie "Under Seige" the "MagnaPhone" (made by Magnavox) is an INNMARSAT phone.

There are much smaller units available these days, and they are pretty dependable, albeit a tad slow (slow beats "none" most of the time).

VSAT / USAT, which is a fairly common commercial satellite option with bandwidth up to ~6 meg ... frequently T1 or fractional T1. The bandwidth can be varied with notice through your provider, usually in an hour or so (maybe less by now).

Finally, there may now be a data option for the satellite system formerly known as Iridium. Iridium went bankrupt, and was purchased (I think) just before the satellite were scheduled to be de-orbited .... but I don't remember by who.

INNMARSAT and VSAT can be purchased with gimbaled anetnnas (self-leveling) and, by now, I believe self pointing.

Hughs Data (Satellite Data?) Systems can be contacted for VSAT equipment and a supported service provider.

INNMARSAT stuff, probably Magnavox, but there are a dozen other "Satellite Phones" (with data and FAX) available. Google would probably be the best option.

Finally, check with your Amateur Radio group. There are several amateur satellites available much of the time ... probably not a great data resource, but in a pinch, you can probably get something through. They should be familiar with the AMSAT stuff.

Good Luck, thanks for all you guys do.

Scott