Verizon Business Offers Emergency Response Mobile Communications Service

Verizon Business introduced a n new service for enterprise and government customers that uses specially equipped vehicles to deliver satellite links to Verizon's Global IP Network from anywhere in North America. The new Emergency Response Mobile Communications Service (ERMCS) aims to quickly restore critical communications in the event of a disaster.


Each self-sufficient vehicle is equipped with wired VoIP telephones and wired and wireless Ethernet access for laptops. Several vehicle configurations are available, including 40-foot and 53-foot vehicles that offer up to 24 individual work stations, each with its own telephone jack, Ethernet port and electrical outlet. These vehicles provide local, long-distance and international calling, along with Internet access and fax service.


"Obviously, the faster a company can overcome an unplanned communication disruption, the faster it can get back to business," said Diane McCarthy, senior vice president, network field operations. "But to be most effective, ERMCS needs to be incorporated into a larger business continuity plan. We can help on that score as well by providing professional consulting services that can include developing, assessing and testing response plans."


The vehicles were used during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, in New York City following the September 11, 2001, attacks and during the 2003 and 2007 Southern California wildfires. The vehicles also have been deployed to provide communication services to thousands of U.S. soldiers.
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