Hughes Network Systems, announced that Tony Bardo , head of Government Solutions at Hughes, testified before the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) first post-Superstorm Sandy field hearing, examining challenges to the nation's communications networks during natural disasters and in other times of crisis.

"Hughes is honored to play an important part in supporting government and non-profit organizations in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy," said Bardo. "These hearings represent an important first step in identifying lessons learned that can help to ensure that our nation's communications networks are more reliable and resilient when disaster strikes."

Bardo summarized the vital role of satellite networks in keeping emergency responders, businesses and people connected during the storm and in its aftermath.

• Help for Rockaway, NY: The Rockaway and Far Rockaway areas of Queens, NY—home to between 175,000 and 200,000 people—were hit hard during the storm and had little or no communications. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) opened Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in the area, providing much needed information about recovery services such as housing/rental assistance and referrals to other assisting agencies (e.g., Department of Veterans Affairs, Social Security Administration, Small Business Administration). With terrestrial lines down, volunteers and disaster victims couldn't make calls or apply for services online. Hughes responded promptly by providing DRCs with its broadband terminals and high-speed satellite broadband service.
• Help for Habitat for Humanity: Over 100 homes were lost in the Breezy Point area of New York from a six alarm fire that ensued during Superstorm Sandy. Habitat for Humanity set up a command center nearby to help coordinate the rebuilding efforts; however, no terrestrial communications were available.  The Global VSAT Forum put out a call to its members, and Hughes and Cisco joined in the recovery effort providing key communications capabilities, including broadband services.
• Help finding an open gas station, hotel, restaurant, or ATM: Hughes customer sites across the devastated region include thousands of gas stations, restaurants, pharmacies and hotels. Hughes provided a valuable service to the All Hazards Consortium (AHC) by identifying those with power and helping to quickly disseminate information to emergency responders. This information was regularly updated daily and was provided to officials in the impacted FEMA regions, the first responder community and key emergency operations centers.