Satcom companies aid Colombian humanitarian mission

Details: Vaughan O'Grady; Category: Satellite Networks; 24 September 2019; 3993 views

Spanish satellite telecommunications operator Hispasat and Colombian satellite services provider Bansat have teamed up to offer satellite connectivity for a humanitarian mission in Colombia.

This expedition, which is organised by the Colombian government, is transporting humanitarian material and personnel to towns located on the banks of the Atrato, the third-largest river in the country. Thanks to this initiative, more than 4,000 families will receive kits for students and health and school supplies, as well as medical attention provided by the specialists taking part in the mission.

The members of the expedition, who work for public agencies like the Ministries of Defence and Health as well as private companies, will need communications in surroundings that lack terrestrial infrastructure. Satellite technology is ideal for these types of scenarios, providing coverage throughout wide footprints and VSAT terminals, which can be quickly installed to offer a high-quality internet connection.

The mission started on 5 September. It will continue until 27 September.

Hispasat, which has had a subsidiary in Colombia since 2013, has contributed to promoting digital inclusion and development in the country for several years, providing connectivity services in more than 700 points in Amazonas, Boyacá, Caldas, Cundinamarca, Guainía, Quindío, Risaralda and Vaupés. The company has also installed Wi-Fi hotspots in remote towns in the departments of Bolívar and Sucre to offer satellite connectivity services which can be accessed on mobile devices by using prepaid passes.