March 9, 2015

Boeing has taken an equity stake in SoftBank Satellite Planning Corp., which will develop concepts for a satellite-based disaster response communications system for Japan. The group will evaluate the concepts and propose them to Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

“This creative partnership underscores Boeing’s long-term commitment to Japan and supports customer needs using our 50 years of proven experience in satellite technology,” said Craig Cooning, chairman of Boeing Satellite Systems International, Inc. (BSSI) and president of Boeing Network & Space Systems. “We applaud SoftBank’s commitment to enhance Japan’s disaster-response capabilities, and we stand ready to assist in making this important satellite-based technology a reality.”

Boeing’s background in providing satellite-based disaster response systems started in the late 1990s with the Thuraya satellite system, which delivers mobile telephone, data, fax and messaging services throughout the Middle East, North and Central Africa, Europe, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Boeing is currently under contract for Mexsat, a communications system for Mexico that will provide disaster response, emergency services, telemedicine, and telecommunications access for remote areas when it becomes fully operational in 2016.

“As we’ve seen with hurricanes, tsunamis, and earthquakes, the presence of a communications infrastructure can mean the difference between life and death,” said Mark Spiwak, president of BSSI. “The Boeing portfolio includes a version of the Boeing 702HP (high-power) satellite that is designed for mobile communications. We come to the SoftBank team with a deep knowledge of system technical requirements and a solid track record of on-orbit experience.”