11 S I A M E M B E R C O M P A N I E S Satellite Industry Response to 2005 Hurricanes Satellites = Redundancy, Ubiquity, Interoperability

22 Satellite Is Part of the Solution To ensure redundant, resilient and reliable interoperable communications networks, satellites must be a required component of all communications networks The Department of Homeland Security is currently examining a range of emergency communication proposals, including proposals to ensure interoperability. Satellite systems should be emphasized and included in the early planning of these initiatives. The required capacity and equipment is available today from commercial satellite operators to corporations, government users and consumers across the globe.

33 Mobile Satellite Services Immune to terrestrial hazards, communicate directly with orbiting satellites, work everywhere. Users included National Guard, American Red Cross, FEMA, cellular and wireline providers, utility workers, reporters, and people in search of relatives. Red Cross, FEMA and public safety quickly deployed mobile satellite communications in affected areas. Much of this equipment was already in place when the hurricanes hit.

44 Fixed Satellite Services Following the first wave of responders, Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) were deployed for both critical and non-critical communications needs. Those utilizing FSS included: Federal, state and local governments Schools, churches and local relief organizations Businesses News organizations Gas, Electric, and Water Companies Banks Red Cross - Emergency Communications Response Vehicles (ECRV)

55 Direct Broadcast Satellite and Satellite Radio Both XM Satellite Radio and DirecTV provided FEMA and the Red Cross with a 24/7 dedicated broadcast station for disseminating hurricane- related information to first responders and the general population within the areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Storm tracking Evacuation routes Storm clean-up Road closures School closings

66 Lesson Learned: Satellites Are Essential to Disaster Recovery  Nearly three weeks after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Region, the terrestrial communications networks in the region were still not functioning:  only 60 percent of the cell phone networks were working properly  70 percent of the broadcast stations were functioning  roughly two million calls were still failing  The resulting lack of communications infrastructure severely impeded the ability of first responders and others in their disaster relief and recovery efforts.  While the outages on terrestrial networks surged in the days following Katrina, satellite networks were providing reliable communications services. When the terrestrial telephone and broadcast networks went down, satellites worked.

77 Lesson Learned: Pre-Position Equipment and Capacity  As we learned after 9/11, the Hurricanes in Florida in 2004, Katrina and Rita, and the recent earthquakes in Pakistan, satellite equipment and capacity need to be there before the disaster strikes.  Pre-positioning mobile satellite phones and terminals, small satellite dishes (VSATs), and satellite radio receivers near anticipated relief areas enables more rapid deployment in the aftermath of a disaster.  The Government needs to facilitate a wider pre-positioned deployment of these assets by ensuring that satellite capacity and equipment become part of the comprehensive redundant communications solutions used by first responders during the planning stages, rather than at the last minute.

88 Lesson Learned: Satellite Personnel Need Access to Restore Networks  The day after Katrina hit, satellite installation and repair crews were ready to begin restoring communications. Unfortunately, too many of these professionals couldn't get permission from officials to enter the area.  Satellite service providers and their technicians should be allowed into disaster areas to restore critical communications and should be included in preparations for such events (including national network redundancy planning).  By credentialing such individuals and companies as first responders we can enable critical satellite infrastructure providers to get into the affected areas to restore vital capabilities without delay or interference.

99 Lesson Learned: Satellite Spectrum Must Be Preserved and Protected  Satellite networks are uniquely able to deliver redundant, reliable, and resilient communications and meet the demands of the public safety community.  The availability and widespread deployment of satellite networks depends upon the satellite industry’s access to adequate spectrum – free from interference.  The satellite industry believes that:  U.S. government policy must ensure that existing satellite spectrum be preserved and protected from harmful interference both at home and abroad.  The FCC’s rules and policies should afford satellite operators sufficient technical flexibility to continue to meet the needs of the public safety community.  The US Government should refrain from taking actions that undercut international allocations of spectrum for satellite use.

10 Recommendations Satellites must be an essential component of critical communications networks. Satellite capacity and equipment must be pre-purchased and pre-positioned. Satellite operators and personnel must be credentialed as first responders. Satellite spectrum must be preserved, and protected from interference.