Ward nurse Meredith Herring of the U.S. plays with a patient on Deck 7. Photo: Katie Keegan

[Via Satellite 12-16-2015] EMC has signed an agreement with Mercy Ships, a charity organization that operates a fleet of hospital ships around the world, to expand and upgrade its satellite communication systems and services. The telecoms company will roll out its HD Connect global on-demand video service aboard the charity’s hospital ship Africa Mercy. HD Connect provides broadcast-quality video anywhere in the world, and will enable onboard volunteer staff to connect into weekly international team meetings.

EMC is also increasing the satellite bandwidth available to the ship, making it easier for the hundreds of volunteers living aboard the ship to communicate with family and friends during long deployments. The crew and volunteers will also have access to live broadcasts from BBC and Fox News.

“The EMC-provided satellite communications services play a critical role in sustaining the mission of Mercy Ships of providing modern first-rate health care and lifesaving surgeries for people in developing nations,” said Chris Gregg, chief information officer of Mercy Ships.