Intelsat Hailed for Haiti Earthquake Mobile Communications Response

FlexMove awarded MSUA’s “Outstanding Leadership of a Mobile Solution”

McLean, Va. – Intelsat, operator of the world’s largest integrated satellite and terrestrial network and leading provider of inflight connectivity (IFC), has been recognized for Outstanding Leadership in Use of a Mobile Solution by the Mobile Satellite Users Association (MSUA). The award was presented for Intelsat’s rapid deployment of FlexMove – a global, redundant, fully managed high-throughput satellite (HTS) solution – in the wake of the powerful earthquake that struck southern Haiti in August 2021.

The magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit the Tiburon Peninsula in the Caribbean nation of Haiti causing severe damage to terrestrial communication networks. Intelsat FlexMove was immediately sent to the disaster zone to provide reliable, easy-to-use, high-speed connectivity.

Intelsat worked closely with HELP.NGO, an experienced international disaster response team – trained to respond quickly to emergencies when existing communication networks fail. Connected to the FlexMove network using the portable, auto-pointing Starwin FL60 terminal, HELP.NGO – set out to mobilize resources and equipment to rapidly restore connectivity.

Once the team arrived at the earthquake’s epicenter to assess the damage, high-speed internet was set up and used to support intelligence coordination for the United Nations with survey shots of topography and aerial images of multiple disaster sites. As a result, local authorities and government agencies were able to quickly determine where to deploy resources based on intel, video feeds and photos gathered.

“In the aftermath of a natural disaster, a quick return to connectivity can mean the difference between life and death, whether it’s used to assist in search and rescue or coordination of essential items or just contacting loved ones to see if they are okay,” said Joel Schroeder, Intelsat’s director of Land Mobile Products. “FlexMove is a viable solution when terrestrial networks are down or the emergency occurs off the grid and can enable users to set up reliable, broadband connectivity on the go anywhere around the world empowering emergency teams to respond faster than ever.

The Mobile Satellite Users Association, a global not-for-profit organization focused on amplifying the voice of satellite mobile services users and innovators, celebrated with organizations earning satellite mobile innovation awards during SATELLITE 2022 in Washington.

About Intelsat

As the foundational architects of satellite technology, Intelsat operates the world’s most trusted satellite telecom network. We apply our unparalleled expertise and global scale to connect people, businesses, and communities, no matter how difficult the challenge. Intelsat is building the future of global communications with the world’s first hybrid, multi-orbit, software-defined 5G network designed for simple, seamless, and secure coverage precisely when and where our customers most need it. Follow the leader in global connectivity and “Imagine Here,” with us, at Intelsat.com.

Media Contact:

Melissa Longo – [email protected]; +1 240-308-1881