Photos: WFP/ Mariko Hall; Telecoms Sans Frontieres REGIONAL ETC WORKSHOP, SAMOA, JULY 2016 TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS

Overview of various technologies used by ETC Emergency Voice Communication Systems: Allow communications between response community during emergencies. The system should be able to survive during disasters, or recovered quickly in case of failure. Emergency Data Communication Systems : Allow exchange of data between response community during emergencies. The system should be able to survive during disasters, and recover quickly in case of failure. Mass communication systems: Allow one-way / two-way communication with communities.

Emergency Voice Communication Systems HF radios VHF radios ­ Analogue VHF radio systems ­ Digital VHF radio systems ­ Remote VHF radio systems Satellite phones Satellite-based SMS/tracking systems

HF Radios Advantages: ­ Free-to-air, no operating costs (except licensing if required) ­ Localised maintenance (no repeaters or remote infrastructure that require maintenance) Overview: Provide long-distance communications, independent of local infrastructure. No repeaters required. Can be used for communication worldwide. Challenges: ­ Might be complicated to operate – require specialised training/skills ­ Low voice quality compared to VHF/telephones ­ Might not provide advanced features/functionality currently provided by other technologies ­ Lack of portability

VHF Radios Advantages: ­ Independent of local infrastructure, fairly quick to deploy/maintain ­ Very effective in sending broadcast message to a group or all users ­ High quality audio compared to HF; ­ Portable handsets for use by mobile staff Overview: Provide short-distance communications, independent of local infrastructure (up-to 50 km radius with well-placed repeaters). It can work within few kilometres without repeaters (simplex). Require repeaters for extended coverage.

VHF Radios – Digital vs Analogue Overview: The digital radios provide certain additional features over the analogue system, such as : -Ability to carry more conversations in same bandwidth (2 voice calls) -Ability to create groups, allowing channel sharing between agencies -Ability of private calls -Ability to send text messages -Ability to track staff using GPS built in the handset -Ability to link repeaters in an easier way through IP links

VHF Radios – Remote Management Overview: A number of new solutions exists which allow monitoring a remote radio network from a central solution using internet connection Such solutions can drastically cut the staffing cost required to manage the radio communication network There are also options of speaking on network via internet apps

Satellite Phones Overview: Satellite phones allow you to communicate via satellite, independent of local infrastructure. Hence it is a great tool as emergency communication system. Advantages: Allow you to communicate during disasters when local infrastructure is destroyed Disadvantages: Monthly recurring costs, plus high usage costs Cannot be used indoors (without specialised equipment)

Commonly used satellite phones Thuraya: Uses geostationary satellite Limited coverage

Commonly used satellite phones Thuraya add-ons:

Commonly used satellite phones Iridium: Uses LEO satellites True global coverage

Inmarsat BGAN BGAN: Uses geostationary satellites Global coverage though multiple satellites Provides voice as well as data connectivity (dependent on model)

BGAN Coverage Map

Satellite-based SMS/tracking These solutions allow you to send SMS via satellite It also allows staff tracking via satellite

Emergency Data Communication Systems BGAN (rapid response – immediate data connectivity) VSAT terminals Ericsson Response WIDER solution

Inmarsat BGAN BGAN: Data speed up to 492 kbps Charged per MB

VSAT Terminals A VSAT provide voice and data connectivity, independent of local infrastructure. ETC uses different kind of VSAT solutions for its operations. EMC, C-Band VSAT terminals Portable balloon developed by emergency.lu Other satellite terminals (iDirect etc.)

Emergency.Lu Rapid

VSAT Terminals Other terminals

Ericsson Response - WIDER The WIDER solution provide wireless access / distribution to users during emergencies. Allow users to access internet by registering themselves. Minimize the overhead of managing passwords/keys. The system is designed in modules, allowing expansion as required.

Ericsson Response - WIDER Core Module Access Controller, Switch, Outdoor & Indoor Access Points, PDU

Ericsson Response - WIDER Hotspot Module Switch, Access Point, Printer, IP Phones, PDU

Ericsson Response - WIDER Expansion Module Two indoor Access Points, Four outdoor Access points, IP Phone Link Module Contains wireless link, allow connecting remote sites to central site

Ericsson Response - WIDER

Ericsson Response - WIDER

Simulations and SOPs Regardless of the technology used, it is very important to : 1.Regularly test your communication equipment to ensure it is functioning properly. This testing can be done through activities such as : i.Regular Radio Checks for Radio Equipment ii.Use of automated systems that monitor links (e.g. for VSAT terminals that have been permanently installed) iii.Simulation exercises 2. It is also very important to have SOP in place; The SOP should cover topics such as 1.Regular maintenance of the equipment 2.Regular end-user training on equipment 3.Procedure/process for deploying the equipment 4.How to request support / resolve issues with the system

Show and tell 1.Emergency Mobile Kit (EMK-II) – pre-positioned in WFP Pacific Office 2.Iridium satellite phone – pre-positioned in WFP Pacific Office 3.Delorme InReach (small satellite device)

Next … 1.Samoa VHF emergency radio network - MCS Digital NZ (Mike & Allan) 2.RANET Pacific Project (Ed Young) 3.RAMP - Red Cross NZ (Don & Vuli)

Photos: WFP/ Mariko Hall; Telecoms Sans Frontieres THANK YOU REGIONAL ETC WORKSHOP, SAMOA, JULY 2016

Breakout Session Breakout into country groups: 1.Discuss what are your technical requirements during emergencies, eg.: Voice communication between NDMO & District Offices Data communication between NDMO & AM/FM station Track vehicles 2. If you could pick two technologies to improve your current systems, what would that be and why? 3. Prepare an implementation plan for deploying and managing the selected solution. The implementation plan should include: -Details of sites to which solution will be rolled out -How maintenance will be handled? -End-user training