Durrant Pate/ Contributor

Jamaica is getting another deployment of emergency satellite communications services to support the Government of Jamaica following the impact of Hurricane Melissa, which resulted in significant disruption to the national communications infrastructure.

Eutelsat, in partnership with regional satellite solutions provider Neptune Communications, is announcing the donation of free emergency satellite communications services. Under this initiative, Eutelsat is providing GEO satellite capacity and VSAT remote kits to enable the rapid restoration of connectivity across priority response locations. 

Neptune Communications will manage on-the-ground installation, logistics, field services, and local technical support, ensuring timely and effective service activation. Connectivity will be provided free of charge for an initial period of three months, enabling first responders and government agencies to maintain operational coordination in the hardest-hit regions.

Broadcasters also getting support

In addition, Eutelsat is supporting partners at the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) by providing satellite capacity at no cost to CBU member broadcasters. This support will assist in restoring essential broadcast services where terrestrial systems were affected, ensuring the continuous delivery of public information and emergency communications.

Earlier this month, Starlink, a satellite internet service developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, donated for free some of its technology, which uses a large constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet access globally. It is designed to offer a reliable connection in areas where traditional internet infrastructure is unavailable or poor, such as rural and remote locations.

Regional Vice President for Latin America at Eutelsat, Alejandro Guerra Najar, comments, “The impact of Hurricane Melissa has placed considerable strain on local infrastructure, making reliable communication essential to coordinating recovery efforts. Satellite provides a resilient and immediate solution when ground networks are disrupted. Alongside our partners in Jamaica, we are focused on helping maintain the critical links that support emergency services and public information.”

For his part, Julian Jordan, CEO of Neptune Communications, adds, “As Jamaicans at home and abroad come together to rebuild and recover in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the importance of dependable and resilient communication systems has never been clearer. At Neptune Communications, we are deeply honoured to stand alongside our partners at Eutelsat in supporting Jamaica’s first responders, emergency services, and communities with the connectivity they need—when it matters most. We remain steadfast, present, and at work to keep Jamaica #AlwaysOn during this challenging time. Together, we are confident that Jamaica will soon be reconnected—and stronger than ever.”