"Communication acts as a lifeline during disasters, and regulator and operators tend to focus on ensuring resilient network to attain this. However, mobile network alone is not enough; there exists high interdependency when it comes to disaster response. Hence, holistic approach and flexible policy for preparedness is critical for emergency communications," said Kyla Reid, head of Disaster Preparedness Program of GSM Association, told at a two-day workshop on 'Mobile Industry Disaster Preparedness' in Kathmandu on Wednesday.
GSMA is organizing the workshop to share best international practices, identify and discuss gaps in country's disaster preparedness, and define steps to bridge the existing gaps so that country's communications system could best facilitate disaster response, helping people during emergencies.
"For effective preparedness, all concerned bodies like government, telecom authority, mobile operators and humanitarian agencies should work together," said Reid.
Reid suggested all concerned stakeholders to share their respective plans and preparations, and work out a consolidated action plan and develop clear and standard operating processes with responsibility and accountability of who will take care of what.
Speaking at the program, representatives of Turkcell, Vodafone, Avea and Turk Telecom of Turkey and Smart Communications of Philippines shared their practices on disaster preparedness.
Stating that that Nepal, particularly Kathmandu, lies on the high-risk earthquake zone, Digambhar Jha, chairman of Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), said telcos should better prepared for disaster response. "As communications plays vital role in minimizing damages, routing rescue and relief, and building awareness on the situation and speed up recovery, it is important that we all work together and be ready for emergencies by putting proper infrastructure, action plan and proper coordination mechanism in place," said Jha.
Anand Raj Khanal, director of NTA said, the telecommunication regulator has drafted National Emergency Communication Plan, covering all issues ranging from early warning system to post-disaster communications. He further added that NTA has also drafted guidelines for vulnerability assessment of mobile towers and rectification and is presently in public consultation.
NTA hopes to finalize the guidelines soon.
On the occasion, representatives of operators said that mobile BTS, which are a vital part of disaster preparedness, are heavily taxed and importing them is a very complicated process. They also requested for permissions to build sites on hilltops in the Kathmandu Valley to facilitate communications during disaster.
"We need to import equipment and have infrastructure at public spaces, for which we need government permissions. We seek government's support on those fronts," Lena Kesari Kansakar of Ncell said. She also said that the regulator must develop a fast-track mechanism for disaster preparedness, so that necessary equipment and international support, if needed, could be brought into the country in a prompt manner.
Similarly, NTA officials said operators need to work together during disaster and said that the telecom regulator is eager to facilitate them.
Related story
Environmentalists call for comprehensive media coverage on disa...
