More than 50 senators have been issued satellite phones for emergency communication in case of a ‘disruptive event’ CBS News has learned.
In testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee last month, Senate Sergeant at Arms Karen Gibson said satellite communication is being deployed “to ensure a redundant and secure means of communication during a disruptive event.”
Gibson said the phones are a security precaution in the case of an emergency that “takes out communications” in all or part of America. Federal funding will pay for Senator’s satellite airtime according to Gibson.
A Department of Homeland Security advisory said satellite phones are a needed tool for responding to and coordinating government services in the case of a “man-made” or natural disaster that wipes out communication in this great country.
The DHS advisory said:
“Satellite mobile phones utilize satellites to communicate with landline, cellular, or other satellite phones in most regions of the world. Responders use satellite