Remote internet: the difference between life and death
A fast, reliable satellite service from Woi could mean the difference between life and death. When you’re involved in search
and rescue operations, working with a reliable communications provider could save someone’s life.That’s why new satellite internet
provider Woi has sponsored an Oxford-based group with a mobile satellite internet kit for the next two years.
Land Search and Rescue (Land SAR) Oxford, North Canterbury, is one of 71 local and specialist search and rescue groups throughout New
Zealand that provides volunteers to the police during missing persons operations. As a national voluntary organisation, Land SAR’s unpaid
professionals offer their specialist search and rescue skills free to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via the NZ Police and
the Rescue Coordination Centre.
“Effective communications when out in the field is certainly an advantage. The Woi satellite internet solution will mean we have fast unlimited internet out in the field. We will be capable of making video, landline and mobile calls, and will be able to access vital information on the go, such as maps and weather information,” Land SAR Oxford chair Ron Ealam said.
Woi chief executive Richard Broadbridge is thrilled to get involved in supporting Land SAR Oxford. “Land SAR Oxford needed a
communications solution for their remote rescue operations. We thought it would be a great way for Woi to support the local community – and
showcase how satellite internet can provide a vital tool to remote Kiwis,”
Broadbridge said.
Woi is providing Land SAR Oxford with a specialised satellite kit and voice over internet protocol (VOIP) phone package. With this
portable set up, the team can bring the equipment to any remote search site and get connected to unlimited satellite internet via the
small satellite dish (75cm in diameter), providing 40Mbps download speeds and 5Mbps upload speeds. Plus, Land SAR Oxford will receive a
dedicated phone number that uses the internet to transmit calls, for police or family members to call.
“We’re very thankful to Woi for coming to our aid. This solution will not only assist with training and live searches but will be
used for Civil Defence if we’re asked to support operations when there is a natural disaster,”
Ealam said.
In 2018-19 Land SAR was involved in 320 search and rescue operations, deploying 3046 trained volunteers and assisting 684 people whose
lives were at risk. This led to a combined total of 131,540 volunteer hours in search and rescue activities.
Get in touch with Woi to develop a specialised remote internet solution for a
safer and more connected working environment
FarmersWeekly - 26 March, 2021
