Telephony

Voice communication is essential for effective communication, regardless of the situation or customer segment. In an emergency context Internet connectivity is being used to enable voice communication. Depending on the situation, the bandwidth available and the preferences of humanitarian responders and the affected population, more traditional voice communication using a telephone connected to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) may be required.

The ETC provides telephony for all three main user groups: humanitarian organisations, national and local authorities, and the affected population.

Purpose: Humanitarian responders need access to the PSTN.

Description: This access can be achieved through: mobile networks, satellite phones, data connections that connect to a PSTN line or a dedicated PSTM link over satellite.

Purpose: National and local authorities responding to an emergency, especially the national disaster Management authority (NDMA) need access to telephony.

Description: Provide access to the PSTN which could be through several access technologies, including but not limited to mobile networks, satellite phones, data connections that connect to a PSTN line.

Purpose: The ETC supports affected populations with access to the PSTN to improve both access to information and reinforce the existing coping mechanisms of a community, enabling families to stay connected.

Description: Depending on the barriers to access faced by a community, being either a lack of infrastructure and or affordability, free access to a telephone can be provided.

Portable satellite phones: Portable satellite phones can be used in the early stages of an emergency response.

Telephone Booths: Where affordability, access to infrastructure and user equipment is a barrier, free to use telephone booths can be established.

ETC partner specific solutions: emergency.lu currently supports access to a telephony service through their solution.