Business Disaster Preparedness: 8 Alternative Communication Systems

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alternative communication systems during disaster

The adage, “the best defense is a good offense,” could not be more true regarding disaster preparedness. Preparing for emergencies puts your business a step ahead, increasing your odds of survival on personal and professional fronts. 

Do you know what to do if landlines and cell phones are inoperable in a crisis? Establishing alternative communication systems during disasters ensures the safety of your employees and business assets. 

The Importance of Alternative Communication Systems for Businesses

When it comes to business crisis strategies, preparedness goes beyond having evacuation plans and first aid supplies at the ready. Natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes and tornadoes, along with terrorist attacks and power outages can make communications difficult or impossible for extended periods. 

Beyond initial communication needs, how can the quality of your crisis communications affect your business? Here are a few consequences you may not have considered: 

  • Injuries and loss of life
  • Equipment and facility loss or damage
  • Loss of revenue
  • Long-term business disruption or termination 
  • Legal and compliance issues
  • Loss of business reputation

Let’s look at alternative communication methods you can use to maintain a connection to employees, stakeholders, first responders and the outside world in a disaster scenario.

1. Text/SMS Messages

Sending notifications via text messaging or automated SMS is an effective way to alert large numbers of people about emergencies at once.  You can notify and update employees and the public on emergency scenarios as they are developing. However, non-functional cell towers can thwart this method.

2. Radio Communications

Radio communications like CB or ham radio can be a reliable way of reaching people and saving lives. However, you must have access to a generator or alternative power source, and employees must have battery-operated receiving devices if electricity ceases to function.  

3. Satellite Phones 

Ultra-portable satellite phones (or satphones) provide critical voice communications when everything else is offline. Unlike cell phones that use land-based cell sites, satphones connect to telephone networks and other phones by radio via orbiting satellites.

4. Off-Grid Voice Communications 

The RedPHONE is a true off-grid communication method that operates between satellite nodes over IP Access’s Select Network. The RedPHONE maintains an independent phone network without relying on the internet or outside links. It also has redundant power resources, keeping the phone up and running during power outages.

RedPHONEs are available to other RedPHONEs at all times. All you need is a satellite link with RedPHONEs connected to that link.

IP Access RedPHONE

5. Satellite Internet

How long could your company get by without internet access? Most businesses today rely heavily on the internet for their day-to-day business operations. When internet servers and networks go down, they can take your company down with it. 

Mobile satellite internet enables your teams to be operational in minutes. Our global satellite WiFi hotspot case is an auto-pointing BGAN satellite terminal. Place the weathertight sealed case under the open sky anywhere in the world and turn it on – no pointing (or training) necessary.

6. Blended Cellular & Satellite

Dependable internet connections are a lifeline for running remote applications for first responders, enterprise businesses, and field operations teams. However, ever-changing environmental conditions and customer demands often lead to cellular and satellite connection fluctuations, making maintaining connectivity constantly challenging.

Offering high speeds and reliable, top-quality connections from anywhere in the world, SuperGIG™ ensures that you stay connected without interruption. As connectivity fluctuations occur, SuperGIG™ automatically switches between cellular and satellite networks, guaranteeing that you never experience a loss of connectivity even during the most challenging disaster scenarios.

7. VSAT

A VSAT is an earthbound station used to communicate voice, data and video signals via satellite communications. Our HARRIER VSAT rapid communications terminal combines cellular and satellite into one portable solution, automatically choosing the best path for data, voice and video requirements.

8. Satellite Monitoring

Setting up your backup communication systems is the first step. But once they’re in place, you’ll need to continuously test them to make sure they’re working properly. 

BlueVIEW by IP Access is a tool that provides clear visibility into your communication systems and assets, including their location, performance, and bandwidth usage. You can set notifications and emergency alerts, run diagnostic reports, track when systems were last online, and even request new services from one convenient dashboard. BlueVIEW provides you with a green, yellow, red or grey status depending on the readiness of your emergency communication systems. 


BlueView Satellite Monitoring

SuperGIG: An Effective Alternative Communication Method

Don’t let communication disruptions hinder your operations during crises. Secure your business with the cutting-edge power of SuperGig™ – the ultimate blended connectivity solution by IP Access International. SuperGig™ seamlessly transitions between cellular and satellite networks, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity when it matters most.

If you’re ready to implement an alternative communication system but unsure where to begin, our team is here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us now to revolutionize your communication systems and thrive no matter the circumstances.