Thursday, October 25, 2012

Why More Power Companies Use a Satellite Phone: Satellite Phone First Steps

Utility CommunicationsOver the past few years utility companies have seen more of a demand for remote communications via satellite. Severe weather, hurricanes or unpredictable natural disasters such as an earthquake, have increased that need. These disasters might catch most off guard, but utility companies can’t take that risk.

When severe weather strikes terrestrial communications such as land lines and cell towers can go down. In the case of a hurricane; after the storm cell towers become overwhelmed and full of traffic not allowing for reliable communications. This is unacceptable for the utility industry. A remote worker out in the field needs to be able to call the office. There is a simple cost effective solution for a situation like this: Satellite Phones.

Satellite phones don’t rely on cell towers or landlines. The remote worker and the office can both be connected by satellite communications. With satellite phones, you are not connecting to cell towers but to actual satellites. These satellites (Iridium or Inmarsat for example) provide voice and data services to wherever you are in the world.

Phones and rates have come down from the past. In the simplest form a handheld satellite and an airtime plan is all you need to get started and be connected. Recently two southeastern utility companies came to GMPCS for emergency backup communications. These communications will be provided to utility trucks and other remote workers, working to restore power. GMPCS was able to come up with an affordable solution via Inmarsat and the IsatPhone Pro. They also participate in our emergency rental program.  You can read about our rental satellite phones here.

If you are looking for a similar solution for your utility company please visit GMPCS or call Cliff Trinkofsky, our utilities sales expert.  Cliff has over 7 years experience assisting utility companies with their needs for voice and data solutions over satellite. Call Cliff directly at: 954-725-1019

With the right expertise and advice we will find a solution for your needs.

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