Access to reliable telecommunications has become critical to humanitarian response for both emergency responders and victims. First responders need telecommunications services to communicate assessments of the on-the-ground situation and humanitarian needs as quickly as possible and must be able to communicate with other emergency responders who are often spread across a wide geographic area. Victims of emergencies need telecommunications services to reconnect with separated family members, find medical assistance, access emergency housing and nutrition services, and contact relatives to arrange for support or simply to let their loved ones know that they have survived. Unfortunately, telecommunications services are frequently disrupted during emergencies. In some cases natural disasters or conflicts disable landline and wireless networks. In other situations, these emergencies threaten people living in areas where there was never a robust and reliable telecommunications system. Following a disaster the limited communication services, although functional, can become over-saturated slowing down the ability of local organizations to assist affected communities. The result is that in emergencies – where the need for telecommunications is greatest – telecommunications is often unavailable. Founded in 1998, Télécoms Sans Frontières is the world’s leading emergency telecommunications non-profit organization. For more than 14 years, TSF has participated in international emergency efforts, setting up emergency communications facilities in war or disaster zones for affected populations and relief workers. With its 24-hour monitoring center and offices in Europe, Central America, Asia, and the United States, TSF crews of IT and telecoms specialists can (1) intervene anywhere in the world in less than 24 hours to provide emergency telecom service; (2) use ICT tools and experience to work with partners to make long-term development missions more effective and efficient; and (3) engage in training and other capacity-building missions to strengthen the ability of local governments and local NGOs to use ICT more effectively in emergencies. The top priority for TSF is to reach the affected destination and set up communication facilities as quickly as possible, in the first hours of an emergency. The initial part of the response is the most critical part of the emergency - when we save lives.
