Satellite links for Western Australian firefighting service

Applied Satellite Technology Australia Pty Ltd (AST Australia) has won a contract from the Australian Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) West Australian Fire Management Services that will supply DEC an Iridium-based satellite communication system, which includes remote asset tracking.

The integrated satellite communication system will provide automatic tracking of 150 firefighting vehicles using the company’s short-burst data (SBD) service. The system will also involve voice and data communications using fixed and handheld satellite phones.

It will provide for automated filing of status and after-action reports to headquarters through the satellite SBD link.

Equipment to be supplied under the contract includes a mix of Iridium 9601 SBD transceivers, Iridium 9505A satellite handsets and Beam Communications RST620 satellite voice/data kits.