During a natural disaster or man-made emergency communications are absolutely critical to first responders and relief organizations as well as local residents who are impacted by the event. While terrestrial networks are designed with resiliency and redundancy in mind, sometimes circumstances can bring those networks down. For government agencies, the solution is often found in complementary technologies, including mesh networks and satellite communication systems.

“Communications infrastructure is absolutely invaluable, but it is never invincible.”
— Cale Teeter-Gregg, goTenna

For the Government Technology Insider Podcast, we spoke with experts from all three technology areas: Cale Teeter-Gregg of mesh network provider goTenna, Rashid Neighbors of satellite operator SES Government Solutions, and John Harris of Verizon. The panel discussed the best ways to plan for emergency communications — for both during an event and after the immediate danger has passed —and how these systems can work together to support a comprehensive strategy for government agencies and emergency response organizations.

Listen to the podcast here: