A PERTHSHIRE company is to provide essential specialist communications technology in east Asia following the tsunami.

The disaster has all but wiped out the region’s communications infrastructure and Blair Atholl-based Remote Data Services is to use satellite technology for the International Red Cross, initially in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, and at its headquarters in Geneva.

The systems will also allow for critical data and information to be shared between the regions as one of the largest humanitarian relief operations ever mounted continues.

Hospitals in Banda Aceh and Newlahbo in Indonesia and Galle, Hambantota and Ampara in Sri Lanka, as well as the Geneva headquarters, will receive the vital equipment.

The satellite systems will be deployed by RDS’s key engineering personnel who are scheduled to fly to the region soon.

Negotiations by RDS have ensured that their global partner organisations Intelsat and iDirect are providing the satellite time and relevant hardware for free.

The equipment is normally used by companies such as those in the gas and oil industries, working in inhospitable areas with no communication systems.

RDS spokesman John Seaton said, “RDS and our partner organisations Intelsat and iDirect are delighted that we can assist the Red Cross’s critical operations at this time under what are unprecedented circumstances.”

When the Indonesian and Sri Lankan operation is completed the RDS team will be deployed to the other areas hardest hit by the tragedy.

Meanwhile, the Perthshire and Kinross community has continued to rally round for the tsunami victims.

A Burns night held by the pupils of Kinross High School will help raise a £1000 target to send to the appeal.

The January 24 supper at Kinross Rugby Club has been fully sponsored by local businesses.

Collections by Rotary and Inner Wheel clubs from Perth and Auchterarder at Tesco, Marks & Spencer and Co-operative stores last week reached raised over £8125.

Auchterarder Rotary president Ron McArthur said, “Thanks are due to everyone who helped or donated to reach this great result. It shows how well an area can respond.”