The Express-AM5 satellite, operated by RSCC, is now restoring communications and the internet in the Yakutia regions of Russia that have been affected by the fire Information notice — the satellite assignment makes it possible to prevent serious communication interruptions.
Forest fires have swept over 7 million hectares in Yakutia, burning out an area comparable to that of a small, European country. Residential buildings and social infrastructure have been damaged and in some areas there is no electricity and communication facilities are not available.
To restore the internet in rural areas and put in place facilities for prompt notifications for local inhabitants, specialists of the regional telecom operator ArcticTelecom use VSAT SATCOM stations and the capabilities of the Express-AM5 satellite at the 140° E orbital position. Television, radio and satellite Internet are now available in almost all affected settlements, thanks to the efficient work of the ArcticTelecom engineers.
“A satellite is the most reliable means of communication both in the process of eliminating the consequences of disasters and in preventing them. Every year in Russia, up to one hundred emergencies occur, involving shutdowns of ground networks. The reliability of the satellite network on such occasions is almost 100%. But for the system to work smoothly in emergency situations, it must be within reach of local inhabitants and, naturally, of emergency services. In the event of disaster, there is no time to set up equipment and train personnel. In Yakutia, satellite communication networks were built in 2005 and integrated into the region’s general communication infrastructure. In the current situation of forest fires, this plays a key role in the prompt restoration of communications in the republic”, emphasized Alexey Volin, RSCC General Director.