Canadian satellite technology

Could any of us not be captivated by the images streaming to us from coverage of the rescue of 33 miners from the Chilean mine collapse?

From Tuesday night, I was flipping almost continuously between the two major Canadian news networks, the BBC and CNN coverage. My remote control usually gets that kind of exercise for New Years’ Day Bowl games.

Prime Minister Harper issued a statement yesterday that had an important connection for me.

Canadians can be proud that Canadian companies participated in the rescue efforts by drilling two backup rescue shafts as well as providing airlift, drilling expertise, generators, temporary housing modules and initial on-site satellite communications.

Initial on-site satellite communications were provided by Canadians.

All of the network coverage was via satellite communications. For low population density, no other technology provides the kind of capacity and coverage of satellite communications.

It is a technology that is part of the solution for ubiquitous communications. It is an area that needs further investment in research and development to ensure that all Canadians will continue to have access to enhanced broadband services.