[Satellite Today 11-24-08] Orbital Data Net (ODN), a satellite network integrator and emergency services solutions provider, has deployed Spacenet’s Connexstar satellite services in support of emergency networks for government agencies, Spacenet announced Nov. 24.
    The services enable rapid deployment of completely converged communications to support voice, video and broadband data via satellite for emergency response teams and provide vital communications online during severe weather conditions. The emergency communications network provided support for Voice Over IP, radio backhaul, and VPN Internet access.
    ODN previously deployed an emergency satellite communications network for the Louisiana Department of Public Safety to support critical operations during and after hurricanes Gustav and Ike. The network connected the Louisiana Department of Public Safety to highway patrol trooper headquarters located at sites across the affected zones. ODN also deployed an emergency management network in Missouri to help government agencies and community organizations resume data and voice communications during the aftermath of severe flooding. With damaged terrestrial networks and with cellular towers down, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) provided a satellite network to The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).