Despite the many admonitions and recommendations we’ve received, only a small percentage of people, organizations, and communities are truly prepared to deal effectively with the next crisis or emergency whether man-made or natural. Perhaps a change in perspective would increase our local, regional, and national preparedness postures.

During this holiday season and as we enter the new year of 2010, let us consider becoming more prepared as individuals, families, organizations, and communities as a gift that we can offer to others. By being more prepared ourselves, we can be available to help each other when the next challenging event occurs — as it surely will.

Happy Holidays to all!

Nearly all satellite service providers have customizable plans to match an organization’s budget constraints. Numerous satellite-based Internet services at remote (fixed) locations are available with monthly fees typically ranging from $49 to $99 (competitive with terrestrial rates).

Recognizing the budget constraints of corporations and government agencies requiring higher grades of service (than just Internet access), satellite and wireless service providers have developed pricing plans starting as low as a few hundred dollars per month. Almost all of these providers now have mechanisms for quickly upgrading  service plans (often within an hour or less after a request) in the event of an emergency or ad-hoc requirement for higher transmission rates and data throughput.

Today you can subscribe to mobile satellite broadband services by activating a terminal and then paying for usage as you need it. Varying monthly allowance plans are also available if you can predict your  usage needs (much like a cell phone service plan). These services have monthly rates on the order of $30 to $50 per month to keep the mobile terminal or phone activated and then usage charges are invoiced at the end of each month based on actual voice minutes and data transmitted.

Many people are still under the impression that these services are expensive. However consider that satphone calls can be made for a little as $0.79  per minute with no monthly commitment. Under varying plan packages, the per call charge can go as low as $0.29.

For users requiring simultaneous voice and data capabilities, Inmarsat BGAN terminals are a good choice. These IP-based services enable voice calling and IP network access in a small form factor. Voice services  typically range from $0.79 — $1.29 (competitive with most cellular roaming charges) and data usage is charged at $6 to $8 per megabytes (bulk pricing discounts are also available).

When disaster strikes and there are no alternatives for communications — these mobile satellite broadband rates are a real bargain.

Consider the costs of not being able to make that critical call or send an email!