Renowned Canadian storm chaser and explorer using Roadpost
satellite service to maintain communications during volcanic exploration
Toronto, ON (January 5, 2005) - Roadpost Inc., a leader of global voice
and data communications solutions for the international traveller, is pleased
to announce that Canada's top storm chaser George Kourounis will be using
Iridium satellite services on his upcoming two-week visit to the Erta Ale
volcano in Ethiopia. Kourounis will be doing the filming for the Swiss-led
expedition that will take him to one of the most remote and hostile
environments in the world. A seasoned adventurer, Kourounis' past exploits have
been featured on the Discovery Channel, BBC TV, National Geographic Explorer,
CBC News, Fox News, CTV and other networks.
"The Erta Ale volcano is located in one of the most remote, inhospitable sites
in the world," comments Morris Shawn, president and CEO of Roadpost. "It
doesn't get any more challenging than this for setting up communications. Under
these conditions, satellite is the only reliable means of keeping in touch,
which is especially important for a high risk venture such as this one. We're
delighted that George has asked us to provide his 'lifeline' to the rest of the
world during this expedition."
The rarely visited Erta Ale volcano is located in the Danakil Desert in
Ethiopia, one of the hottest, driest, most inhospitable places on earth. It is
Ethiopia's most active volcano and has been in a state of continuous eruption
since 1967. It has the highest mean average temperature of any location in the
world, with daytime temperatures reaching above 40ºC in the winter season.
"This place is so remote - it's 100 miles to the nearest city - and the
environmental conditions so hostile, satellite is the only means of
communication possible," says Kourounis. "Roadpost has been fantastic from the
moment I contacted them. It's wonderful to know that communications can be
maintained under the most challenging conditions. I can contact family members,
deliver live feeds for the media, and update my web site using the data kit.
I'm even planning on taking the phone with me when they lower me into the pit
craters for filming." He adds that while this is his first experience with
satellite phones, "I fully expect satellite will be part of my arsenal for
future expeditions."
The expedition will begin January 14 and footage will be aired on Discovery
Channel Canada. For information and updates on the expedition, visit
www.stormchaser.ca.
About Roadpost Inc.
Founded in 1991, Roadpost (www.roadpost.com)
provides customized global communications to individuals and corporations. The
company’s comprehensive portfolio includes International Cellular, Iridium
satellite, Thuraya satellite and Remote Internet Access communications services
providing complete global coverage, no matter where the destination. Alliances
with industry leaders such as mmO2, Bouygues Telecom, Swisscom, Telecom Italia
Mobile, Bell Mobility, Telus Mobility, Iridium, GRIC Communications, Motorola
and Nokia allow Roadpost to deliver reliable and secure communications with the
largest network of worldwide coverage. In addition, affiliations with loyalty
programs American Airlines AadvantageÒ, Aeroplan® and United® Mileage Plus
provide customers with an opportunity to earn loyalty points when using
Roadpost’s services.
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Contact: Cathy-Anne O'Brien, Xposure PR Inc., (416) 691-5206,
cathyanne@xposurepr.com