The United Nations telecommunications agency today announced that it has reached agreement with two international satellite organizations to expedite the restoration of vital telecommunications services in the aftermath of natural disasters.
“This agreement between ITU, Intelsat and ITSO will go a long way in increasing our early response capabilities and in re-establishing the communication links that are so vital in rescue and relief operations,” said Mr. Touré.
Satellite technology, with its wide coverage and rapid deployment, is ideally suited for response to communications needs in emergency situations, according to ITU. The agreement brings together key players in the satellite industry to address the emergency communications needs of countries worldwide.
ITU will, upon receiving a request from a Member State for assistance in the aftermath of a natural disaster, inform Intelsat of the request for satellite capacity and other related needs. Intelsat will then consult with ITSO and consider donating satellite capacity, the agency said in a press release.
