A Multi-stakeholder Approach to Emergency Telecommunications ITU Symposium on ICT’s, the Environment and Climate Change Montreal, Canada: 31st May 2012 A Multi-stakeholder Approach to Emergency Telecommunications Patrick Masambu Deputy Director General and Director of Technical Affairs

ESTABLISHMENT OF ITSO INTRODUCTION (a) Originally known by the acronym INTELSAT, the organization was established in 1964 to implement a UN resolution on communications satellites and use of “Outer Space”. The current membership of the organization is 150 countries. (b) The then Organization underwent a major restructuring in 2001 in order to secure long term sustainability. The decision to restructure was driven by: (i) the need to provide a mechanism for infusion of private capital to meet the high industry costs; (ii) industry trends and competition pressures. (c) The restructuring outcome was: (i) establishment of Intelsat, the private company, headquartered in Bermuda then; and now based in Luxembourg (ii) change of the mandate of the Intergovernmental organization, International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO) based in Washington, D.C.

Role in Emergency Communications 2. ITSO’s Role Enabled by ITSO’s unique relationship with governments as a result of the ITSO Agreement Strengthened by virtue of ITSO’s relationship with Intelsat, which enhances specific negotiations that take into account the global reach of Intelsat footprint Important from technology point of view, noting that satellite technology is: ubiquitous in coverage; affords rapid deployment and is therefore ideal for response to communication needs in emergency situations.

Memorandum of Understanding-ITSO/ITU/Intelsat 3. Parties to MOU Signed between ITSO, ITU and Intelsat in March 2011 to enhance coordinated action by the three institutions. Recognizes the need for mitigating effects of disasters, thru facilitating implementation of Tampere Convention the value of a multi-stakeholder approach to partnerships, including the private sector The need for effective and timely deployment of telecom resources in countries under emergencies for public protection

MOU Provisions 4. Arrangements Under the MOU Methodical information exchange and requests for assistance from ITU member states in event of an emergency Initiation of request by a member state to ITU and then ITU to Intelsat Consultation between ITSO and Intelsat regarding the request; capacity in question and Intelsat decision If the need can be met, it is a free donation of capacity for use for a specified time duration to assist the country in crisis

MOU Provisions continued Although the agreement by Intelsat would be for a specific time duration, a request for extension can be considered, depending on the need and circumstances. The Agreement is non- exclusive and other Parties can contribute within an agreed framework with the ITU.

CONCLUSION Considering the fact that emergencies continue to be a challenge to many countries, any coordinated effort by stakeholders in the provision of telecommunications during an emergency brings to the table added value. And from this perspective, we believe that the ITSO/ITU/Intelsat Memorandum of Understanding should improve on the various mitigation efforts already in place.