Communication Support Vehicle donated to Paris Fire Brigade

Eutelsat Communications has made a donation to the Paris Fire Brigade (BSPP), equipping a Communication Support Vehicle (CSV) with the latest in connectivity infrastructure using next-generation satellite networks.

In emergency situations, such as the Notre-Dame de Paris fire or the November 2015 terrorist attacks, public networks and ground-based communications infrastructure are rapidly congested, unavailable and in some cases inadequate. Yet, when it comes to managing emergency relief, communication between frontline responders can play a decisive role. In this respect, the use of a CSV connected via a satellite broadband link is an effective solution, as it provides satellite connectivity between the field and the command units for the transmission of radio, voice and internet communications.

The satellite-based CSV operates independently of any terrestrial infrastructure and public networks that can be damaged in a crisis situation (congestion, breakdown, voluntary outage, etc). It is therefore the optimum solution to the congestion of other public networks. Satellite connectivity provides a reliable and resilient connection between the command centre, frontline responders, the local population and possibly the media.

The Paris Fire Brigade can now deploy a 4G tactical bubble connected to other remote communication infrastructure via a satellite broadband link operated by Eutelsat. The resulting private 4G network built around the CSV can be used by 18 mobile terminals equipped with a highly secure application enabling group voice communications, video-conferencing, data exchange and user geolocation. Also, a Wi-Fi bubble can be set up on board the CSV to enable access to the Internet and to mission-critical operational data. The CSV is equipped with several satellite telephone lines to communicate with the command centre or provide other public services or agencies with voice communications if required. As such, the CSV serves as an autonomous communication hotspot for organising press briefings and real-time information, to name a few.

Fitted with state-of-the-art technology, the CSV now uses the Ka-band on EUTELSAT KONNECT, a powerful, next-generation high-throughput satellite (HTS). The increased throughput enables the CSV to host very high-capacity applications, support more simultaneous calls, file transfers, streaming and teleconferencing, and provide connectivity to the private 4G tactical bubble. With the upcoming entry into service of the EUTELSAT KONNECT VHTS, the communication capabilities of the CSV will be significantly enhanced thanks to high-speed broadband.

“Telecommunications are crucial to our operations, which are increasingly demanding in an environment involving various constraints,” said Major General Joseph Dupré la Tour, Commander of the BSPP. “Our command capacity, which lies at the heart of our operational efficiency, requires robust systems to ensure that orders are transmitted and information is passed on, regardless of the circumstances of the operation.

“The cooperation between Eutelsat and the BSPP is rooted in the longstanding, solid friendship between our respective former managers. This has been a fruitful relationship that is now materialising with the delivery of the CSV, bringing the BSPP’s operational capabilities to new heights.”

Image credit: Eutelsat Communications.