AST Systems to Join UK Rapid Disaster Network

23rd March 2012

Hampshire based company Applied Satellite Technology Systems Limited (AST Systems Ltd) is to join a network of experts who can be called on by Government in times of international crisis, such as famine, floods and earthquakes.

The new facility will mobilise lifesaving support from Britain's best businesses and charities in the critical hours after a disaster strikes.

Supplies, experts and vital aid are too often tied up with paperwork, rather than being deployed straight to the disaster zone, International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell said.  

The new facility allows organisations with experience in disaster response to access funding within hours, thereby reaching affected people faster and saving more lives. It will mean the best organisations from across the UK can be mobilised in the critical first 72 hours following a disaster.

AST Systems Ltd is one of an initial 34 non-government organisations which specialise in disaster response which has been invited by the UK Government to join the network.  

Eastleigh based AST Systems Ltd is a leading provider of satellite equipment & airtime from all major networks including Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya & Globalstar. AST Systems can provide satellite phone hire alongside supporting purchases of anything from a single satellite handset to a more complex tracking or military solution.

The new Rapid Response Fund will be activated in the event of a large scale crisis. The selected organisations will be approached within two hours and expected to take immediate action.  

Andrew Mitchell said: “Clearly we need our best experts, equipment and aid on the scene as quickly as possible after a disaster, not tied up in red tape. AST Systems Ltd need to be able to do their job in that vital window of 72 hours, to save as many lives as possible.

“Only the professionals, with relevant skills and equipment will be approved.  By working with a small pool of specialists, we will end the dangerous crush of aid organisations which often pour into a disaster zone.

“These organisations represent the very best performing disaster response agencies. This will allow them to focus on delivery.  Make no mistake; however, qualification for the fund will be revoked at the first sign of poor performance.”

Pauline Truckle, Managing Director of AST Systems Ltd said: “AST Systems Ltd has supported DFID for the past decade, supplying various communications equipment for projects including the devastating Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004, and the Haiti earthquake in 2010. 

 “As a result of working with DFID for a significant period of time, AST Systems Ltd has developed a great understanding of the flexibility required to support such a time-critical organisation.

“With round-the-clock technical support and emergency activations, AST Systems Ltd can deliver the expertise, at times of greatest need.”

Lord Ashdown's review of how Britain responds to humanitarian emergencies said that a pre-qualification process would ensure there was a focus on delivery, not bureaucracy, in the first critical stage of disaster response.