2008-08-02 14:03:04 -
- OnSat Network Communications, which created the award-winning satellite communications system for the Navajo Nation, said today that it has been working round the clock to ensure continued service following the threat of SES AMERICOM to shut down the communications system to which the Navajo system is linked.
"We have been doing everything we can to ensure a smooth transition to another provider," said OnSat CEO David Stephens. "SES's threat to shutdown its transponder service August 1 presented us with a huge problem. Fortunately, the timely intervention of FCC Chairman Kevin Martin led SES to delay the shutdown threatened for noon Friday."
In a message to SES Chief Operating Officer Jim Ducay, Martin said "based on FCC information,
SES's termination of service will impact at least 25 public safety entities in 13 states throughout the country."
This included federal, state and local emergency response agencies, local governments, law enforcement agencies, fire departments and emergency medical service providers, Martin said.
"These agencies can ill afford to be confronted with a precipitous loss of service when dealing with potentially life or death situations," he wrote. Martin urged SES to act "as expeditiously as possible" to ensure continued service "without interruption."
"This is wonderful news for the Navajo Nation and its President, Joe Shirley, who has worked hard for many years to provide the Navajo people with the best possible satellite service despite numerous obstacles," Stephens said. His company, OnSat, leases space on the SES satellite to service the Navajo Nation and other emergency responders throughout the country.
The principle obstacle to continued communications has been non-payment to providers by the Washington-based Universal Service Administrative Company. Millions of dollars are owed to both OnSat and SES.
"We are hopeful that the payment irregularities will soon end and there will be no further threats to turn off this critical service on which so many Navajo depend," Stephens said. "As Chairman Martin rightfully pointed out, these services should not be confronted with sudden loss of service when dealing with life and death situations. We will work closely with the FCC and SES to ensure the most seamless possible transition."
For Navajo Nation:
Michelle Kincaid, 202-737-8400
Cell: 757-503-1123
mkincaid@johnadams.com 
