Science & Technology
Science and Technology
Science and Technology
Tue, February 3, 2009
Spacenet Helps H-E-B Deliver Disaster Relief Assistance to Hurricane-stricken Communities
MCLEAN, Va.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Spacenet Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILT) and one of the world's leading providers of satellite networking solutions, announced that H-E-B, one of the nation's largest independently owned food retailers, deployed Spacenet's high-performance Connexstar satellite services to provide an emergency communication network in support of disaster-relief efforts during severe weather conditions. The services enable rapid deployment of completely converged communications to support voice, video and broadband data via satellite for emergency response teams.
After hurricanes Dolly and Ike knocked out the infrastructure in many areas, leaving people without power or access to basic supplies, H-E-B deployed its Disaster Response Unit (DRU) to affected communities. The support unit was made up of a convoy of almost 40 vehicles and 12 trailers equipped with Spacenet's Connexstar satellite services and transportable auto-pointing antenna. This system enabled the DRU to support critical communications, including high-speed broadband data, during the hurricane relief efforts. Emergency services included a mobile H-E-B Pharmacy unit and mobile Business Services unit that enabled displaced residents to receive medications, cash checks and pay bills.
"Spacenet's satellite services and transportable equipment were a critical component to the operation of our Disaster Response Unit," said H-E-B Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Justen Noakes. "The system worked extremely well and enabled data communications to be up and running within minutes after the DRU was parked."
"H-E-B's Disaster Response Unit is an impressive system that provides invaluable services to the community during emergency situations," said Spacenet President and COO Glenn Katz. "Having a reliable communications system is a critical component of emergency response. Spacenet's transportable satellite solution ultimately helps H-E-B focus on its core mission during relief efforts by providing a high-quality and dependable communications network for affected communities."
About H-E-B
For more than 100 Years, H-E-B has been an innovative retailer. Known for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience at every day low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs more than 67,000 Partners and serves millions of customers in more than 150 communities throughout Texas and Mexico. For more information, visit [ www.heb.com ].
About Spacenet®
Founded in 1981, Spacenet Inc. is one of the world's leading providers of high-performance satellite and hybrid terrestrial networking solutions for US based enterprise, government and small office/small business customers. Spacenet has a longstanding tradition of industry leadership and innovation, and today has more than 100,000 operational network endpoints for customers including many Fortune 500 companies and major government agencies. Spacenet's services include its custom satellite and hybrid network solutions for enterprise and government; Connexstar™ VSAT services for primary, backup and disaster recovery networks; and StarBand® broadband Internet by satellite. Spacenet is based in McLean, Virginia, and operates its own end-to-end services infrastructure including network management, field services and teleport facilities in McLean, VA; Atlanta, Georgia; and Chicago, Illinois. Spacenet is a wholly owned subsidiary of Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (Nasdaq: GILT). Visit Spacenet at [ www.spacenet.com ].
