Contact: Michael Sherman FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tel. 319-754-0604
Cell Phone: 901-351-9861
Email: msher@winegard.com
DATATECH’S DIRECSTAR
TRANSPORTABLE/REMOTE SATELLITE SYSTEM
HELPS EPA IN THE FIELD WITH NECESSARY COMMUNICATIONS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA
DataTech Takes Extreme Measures to Deliver to the EPA
Several High-speed Internet Broadband Antenna Systems
Salt Lake City, UT, October 13, 2005. Data Technology International, LLC announced today that several of its new DirecStar auto-pointing and deploying systems using Hughes Network Systems’ (HNS) DIRECWAY broadband satellite system, are being utilized by the EPA from Dallas to assist with recovery efforts from Hurricane Rita.
Jon Gulch, OSC U.S. EPA (On-Scene Coordinator) Region 5 Emergency Response Branch said, “DataTech has taken extreme measures to make sure that the EPA had these units in time to be strategically located for Hurricane Katrina response. These units have provided the EPA with reliable communications in the field, which is a necessity in a response such as this.” The EPA purchased their DataTech DirecStar systems from Miri Microsystems.
Using advanced satellite technology, the HNS DIRECWAY system provides high quality broadband connectivity using small antennas throughout the continental United States. DIRECWAY offers high speed Internet access as well as private intranets, such as those used by many business and disaster relief agencies. The nationwide coverage of the DIRECWAY service, combined with the rapid deployment capability offered by the DataTech DirecStar auto-pointing unit, results in an ideal solution for disaster recovery situations.
Tony Miri of Miri Microsystems, a Michigan satellite Internet sales, installation, and support company said, ‘”We knew from the EPA that they and other government agencies had a need for a portable mobile unit that could get delivered quickly and inexpensively, attached to a roof rack on a vehicle, and be up and running immediately. We were looking for this type of system when we saw a working DirecStar unit at the Satellite Expo 2005 in June and recognized the benefits immediately. When Katrina hit, we accelerated all of our efforts to answer the EPA’s needs for emergency response Portable Satellite Units and designed a roof-rack platform for them. To support communications efforts, the EPA OSCs asked us to deploy the DirecStar systems for Hurricane Katrina response and the units were assembled and sent to the field.”
Additional DataTech DirecStar systems have now been sent to Dallas for use by the EPA, where they’re now being mated with roof racks by employees of Miri and mounted on EPA vehicles to help with the recovery efforts for Rita. Several have already been deployed on EPA SUVs and other vehicles and driven east before Rita made landfall.
Miri continued, “We believe there’s a great interest and need for this type of system within several government agencies and municipalities. Because of the simple, fast installation, the EPA can ship these units anywhere- whenever they’re needed, and install them on vehicles at the sites for instant communications.”
Reed Brown, president of DataTech said, “We are, of course, very glad that our DirecStar system could help with communications response for these two terrible hurricanes. Transportable Internet technology is all about the importance of connectivity. These new Internet satellite systems provide transportable access not only to the EPA, but to users such as homeland security, news organizations, the oil, gas, forestry and mining industries, medical service providers, law enforcement, military, emergency response teams, mobile command centers, government, field offices, broadband and video conferencing, construction and recreational vehicles.”
Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin said during a hearing held by the Senate Commerce Committee a few weeks ago that the agency is looking to improve disaster communications. Martin offered three areas for improvement: ensure that the public has the right tools to know when an emergency is coming; give consumers the ability to contact first responders; and enable first responders to communicate seamlessly, via enhanced network resiliency.
The DirecStar system was recently certified by Hughes Network Systems for use with HNS’ DIRECWAY broadband satellite system. This certification included environmental and shock testing and compliance with HNS product performance standards.
Available with a .74 or .98 meter dish, the DirecStar system deploys rapidly, providing instant Internet connectivity with a simple touch screen interface and is easy to install. Transportable, high-speed connectivity gives the EPA broadband access from any remote location, without the need for phone lines. The DirecStar system includes single-platform connection for all users. Such applications as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Secured Private Networks (SPN), transportable Wi-Fi access, real-time Web casts via multicast delivery and streaming and much more, are now available with the DirecStar system with just a click of a button.
For more information or to schedule an interview with Reed Brown or Tony Miri, please call Michael Sherman at 319-754-0604 or send an email to msher@winegard.com. Please visit our website at www.direcstar.com. For EPA equipment specifications, photos, software and technical documents related to the EPA’s PSU, visit the PSU EPA Website. For questions regarding the PSU, please contact Jon Gulch (EPA-R5 OSC) or John Gilbert (EPA-ERT).
About DataTech
Data Technology International, LLC is a new company in partnership with Winegard Company and was formed to develop technologies and associated products that deliver transportable Internet and data communications in both domestic and international markets. Its first product line is a series of two-way fixed/transportable mobile satellite Internet systems, offering real-time IP, video, voice, audio, and data communications virtually anywhere, anytime. The first product is a transportable satellite Internet system with dishes ranging from .74 meter to 1.2 meters. For additional information, please visit www.direcstar.com.
About Miri Microsystems
Offering both mobile and fixed DIRECWAY broadband satellite Internet systems from Hughes Network Systems, Miri Microsystems, LLC, provides professional-grade satellite Internet sales, installation, and services, with the option to choose the fastest connection speeds offered by
the DIRECWAY broadband satellite system with Discovery Class service. The company realizes the importance of superior communications in today’s business environment and offers the finest equipment for the most competitive prices as well as some of the most qualified technicians in the area, providing consultation, design, installation and maintenance for satellite systems. Broadband satellite Internet access is Miri’s specialty for homes, businesses and mobile satellite Internet services and help to identify concerns which impact the productivity and profitability of business, making recommendations for systems that will best suit the need. For additional information, please visit www.mirimicrosystems.com.
About Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HNS), is the world’s leading provider of broadband satellite network solutions for businesses and consumers, with more than 800,000 systems ordered or shipped to customers in 85 countries. HNS pioneered the development of high-speed satellite Internet access services and IP-based networks, which it markets globally under the DIRECWAY brand. DIRECWAY terminals are based on the IPoS (IP over Satellite) global standard, approved by the TIA, ETSI, and ITU standards organizations.
Headquartered outside Washington, D.C. in Germantown, Maryland, USA, HNS maintains sales and support offices worldwide. SkyTerra Communications, Inc. (OTCBB:SKYT) and The DIRECTV Group, Inc. (NYSE:DTV) each own 50% of HNS. SkyTerra is its managing member. For additional information, please visit www.hns.com.
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HUGHES and Hughes Network Systems are trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, LLC. DIRECWAY is a registered trademark of The DIRECTV Group, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
