Spectra Group provides communications support to Kota Mama VII expedition

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd is providing satellite communication equipment to support the Kota Mama VII expedition to Bolivia. This 45 day expedition, led by John Blashford-Snell, starts on 20 July 2009 and will investigate the theory and study the geology and archaeology of the savannah, swamp and jungle regions around Lake Roja Aguado and provide much needed aid to the extremely poor communities of this area. The expedition will also study the configuration of Lake Roja Aguado and nearby lakes and rivers to investigate a theory from Sergeotecmin, the Bolivian Geological Institute, that a huge meteorite impact was responsible for the disappearance of the region’s population in around 1100 AD.

Spectra Group is providing a range of satellite-based communications equipment to enable the team to maintain contact throughout the expedition and to provide regular website progress updates. The equipment provided includes two Iridium satellite phones and a BGAN Explorer 100 satellite terminal providing access to high speed broadband from any location. Spectra has also organised the availability of satellite airtime throughout the duration of the expedition.

Spectra is also sponsoring team member Andy Gray who is IT manager at Hereford Sixth Form College. He has a background in telecommunications and a special interest in geology. His task will be to use his communication skills to help deliver the community aid programme in this area including the provision of wells for clean drinking water, medical and dental treatment. The team will take supplies of books and education material for the village schools, some of which don’t even have chalk for their blackboards, and also hope to build an ambulance boat to aid the evacuation of seriously ill people across some of the vast lakes.

To find out more about this expedition click here