The selection follows Stratos' successful technology demonstration for FDNY's field and command center units.
Because they are independent of terrestrial and cellular communications networks, Stratos' satellite-based solutions are particularly advantageous in emergency response situations when traditional technologies may be either unavailable or overwhelmed.
FDNY will primarily use the technology to facilitate video conferencing between on-the-scene responders and headquarters personnel.
The contract with FDNY includes the purchase of mobile and vehicular satellite terminals using Inmarsat GAN (Global Area Network) technology, video conferencing units, and laptop computers, as well as systems integration and ongoing service.
Mobile and vehicular GAN terminals installed in response vehicles are fully integrated with FDNY's command center at MetroTech in Brooklyn. Stratos' partners in this effort include DVLaptop, EMS Technologies, Global Communications Solutions, and LiveWorks.
"Recent events, such as those on September 11, 2001, have demonstrated that traditional land-based and cellular communications networks are not always reliable during an emergency," said Jim Parm, Stratos' president and chief executive officer.
"Stratos' satellite-based solutions provide a reliable, go-anywhere technology that can travel to the scene of an emergency and provide emergency response teams with the secure and dependable communications capabilities they require, regardless of the status of terrestrial and cellular networks.
"Our technology has proven reliable and effective in the most challenging situations, including with the U.S. military during operations in Iraq," added Parm.
"We're pleased to be providing this field-proven communications capability to the Fire Department of the City of New York, and we look forward to working with other federal, state and local agencies on critical applications for homeland security and emergency response."
The Inmarsat GAN mobile satellite solution being provided by Stratos uses either a roof-top dome or a lightweight portable antenna, approximately the size of a laptop computer, to provide up to 64 kbps of throughput for Internet and e-mail access, fax, large file transfers, video conferencing and high- resolution image transfer.
Users can choose GAN's Mobile ISDN service for quick transfer of large data files or Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS) for "bursty" data applications, such as Internet and e-mail. GAN coverage is available worldwide, across all major land masses, with the exception of the extreme polar regions.