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Partnering for Disaster Reduction

The role of telecommunications in disaster reduction is critical in order to improve the timely flow of crucial information needed for appropriate assistance to be delivered before, during and after the disaster.

ITU has designed the ITU Framework for Cooperation in Emergencies (IFCE) to deliver and deploy telecommunications/information and communication resources to countries, humanitarian actors, and victims of disasters in a timely manner whenever and wherever disasters may occur through the use of transportable, easy to deploy and reliable systems that are non-exclusive.

PARTNERS


ITU and its partners deploy satellite terminals and other emergency telecommunication equipment to affected countries within the first 24 to 48 hours in the aftermath of a disaster to help restore vital communication links.
  • Iridium. Iridium is a major provider of global satellite voice and data solutions with complete coverage of the earth. Iridium provides ITU with satellite phones enhancing ITU’s capability to respond to emergencies within the first 24 to 48 hours when disasters strike.
  • Inmarsat. ITU has entered into a partnership with Inmarsat Limited to obtain plug-and-play satellite terminals, which can be deployed at the request of a Member State, when its telecommunication networks have been disrupted by disaster.
  • Thuraya. ITU concluded an agreement with Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company (based in the United Arab Emirates) in July 2006, under which Thuraya contributed with satellite terminals, phones and solar chargers to power them. The satellite equipment supports voice and data applications, as well as remote navigation services via the global positioning system (GPS).
  • Marlink (VIZADA). ITU and VIZADA signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the promotion of emergency telecommunications when disasters strike.   
  • UltiSat. ITU and UltiSat signed a Cooperation Agreement for the availability of the equipment and services for the purpose of emergency telecommunications, disaster response and digital inclusion. The equipment, deployable VSAT units, support voice and data communications for up to 50 users simultaneuosly.


Find out more information on ITU partners. 

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​ITU plays an important role in using ICTs for disaster risk reduction and management, through the design of national emergency telecommunication plans, the setting up of early warning and monitoring systems and the provision of emergency telecommunications equipment when disasters strike. 


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