Applied Satellite Technology Systems Limited (AST Systems) is to join a network of experts who can be called on by Government in times of international crisis, such as famine, floods and earthquakes.

The new facility will mobilise life saving support from Britain's best businesses and charities in the critical hours after a disaster strikes.

The new facility allows organisations with experience in disaster response to access funding within hours, thereby reaching affected people faster and saving more lives. It will mean the best organisations from across the UK can be mobilised in the critical first 72 hours following a disaster.

AST Systems is one of an initial 34 non-government organisations which specialise in disaster response which has been invited by the UK Government to join the network.

Eastleigh based AST Systems is a leading provider of satellite equipment & airtime from all major networks including Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya & Globalstar. AST Systems can provide satellite phone hire alongside supporting purchases of anything from a single satellite phone to a more complex tracking or military solution.

The new Rapid Response Fund will be activated in the event of a large scale crisis. The selected organisations will be approached within two hours and expected to take immediate action.

Pauline Truckle, Managing Director of AST Systems commented, “AST Systems has supported DFID for the past decade, supplying various communications equipment for projects including the devastating Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004, and the Haiti earthquake in 2010.

“As a result of working with DFID for a significant period of time, AST Systems has developed a great understanding of the flexibility required to support such a time-critical organisation.

“With round-the-clock technical support and emergency activations, AST Systems Ltd can deliver the expertise, at times of greatest need.”