SELEX Elsag delivers training in use of emergency satellite communications to Scottish Government

Basildon, 12 September 2012 – SELEX Elsag, a Finmeccanica company, has delivered training to the operator community who will support the use of the emergency satellite communications capability being provided via the Scottish Government to the Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands and Isle of Lewis. This programme will supply highly secure, robust and resilient voice and data satellite communications for use in supporting public safety on offshore islands, with the addition of a mobile system at Argyle and Bute.

Headquartered from Edinburgh, the capability will give the Scottish Government secure communication systems to the island communities in the event of any catastrophic failure of traditional communications systems. The use of satellite communications links will provide total independence from the current Public Services Telephone Network (PSTN) and cable-based infrastructures at each of the locations.

The network will be independent of any existing communication systems and be connected by Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite links. Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) are provided to support all the equipment for up to six hours, this time being extended by the use of generators. The deployable trailer solution further adds to the flexibility of the system, which is expandable by adding either more fixed sites or additional trailers.

Phil Robinson, UK Senior Vice-President, comments: “SELEX Elsag is world-class supplier of resilient communications. We are experts in satellite communications for both civil and military customers and a centre of excellence for cyber security services. We look forward to enhancing the Scottish Government’s robust capability to maintain constant links with its island communities.”