NTT DOCOMO, INC., Japan’s leading mobile operator and provider of integrated services centered on mobility, announced today that it has nearly completed implementation of a wide range of disaster-preparedness measures introduced in response to lessons learned from the experience of the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011. The measures, which were initially announced in April 2011, are designed to help secure mobile communications in key areas and facilities following a disaster, such as heavily populated areas and centers for coordinating emergency response, sheltering evacuees and delivering relief services. The measures also aim to strengthen DOCOMO’s ability to respond as fast as possible in disaster-affected areas and provide people with greater convenience and peace of mind through the use of mobile communications.
New Disaster Preparedness Measures
Secure communication for key areas/facilities
(1) Install 104 large-zone base stations nationwide
(2) Provide base stations with uninterruptible power supply or 24 hours of battery power (about 1,900 stations)*
Respond quickly in disaster-stricken areas
(3) Rapidly provide satellite mobile phones (3,000 units)*
(4) Quickly restore mobile service using satellite-linked systems (19 car-mounted and 24 portable units)
(5) Broaden service recovery using emergency microwave entrance facilities (100 areas)
Maximize customer convenience during disasters
(6) Deploy Disaster Voice Messaging service
(7) Upgrade “Restoration Area Map” Web page
(8) Add voice interface to Disaster Message Board service
(9) Expand Early Warning “Area Mail™” service
(10) Increase use of ICT (SNS, etc.) for emergency communication
*Still being implemented.
