Need a GSM network in a hurry? Altobridge can provide a GSM cell, for use with standard handsets and connected over satellite, within five minutes.

The Remote Contiguous Communications Unit is designed for emergency deployment in disaster areas. It's a suitcase-sized base station that can be powered from a vehicle or small generator, and connect up to 7 simultaneous users for voice and GPRS; multiple units can be deployed for greater connectivity or coverage.

The coverage area is not extensive, stretching a hundred yards at best. A folding tripod antenna can be added to increase the range to a kilometre or two, and careful placement could increase that further.

But this is intended as a first-responder emergency system: providing connectivity using standard GSM handsets in situations where good civilian communications might be a matter of life and death.

Requiring no special skills to set up or configure it can literally be up and running within five minutes, providing connectivity to the disconnected. ®