January 11, 2005
Disaster zones get easier telecoms deployment
Victims of disasters will now be able to benefit from faster and more effective rescue operations, thanks to the "Tampere Convention on the Provision of Telecommunication Resources for Disaster Mitigation and Relief Operations" that came into force Saturday, 8 January 2005, following ratification by 30 countries, reports Cellular News.
"Until now, the trans-border use of telecommunication equipment by humanitarian organizations was often impeded by regulatory barriers that make it extremely difficult to import and rapidly deploy telecommunications equipment for emergencies.
When disaster strikes, communications links are often disrupted; yet for disaster relief workers who arrive on the scene these links are essential. In the absence of an agreed multilateral framework that temporarily waives formalities, delays have meant the loss of lives.
The Tampere Convention calls on States to facilitate the provision of prompt telecommunication assistance to mitigate the impact of a disaster, and covers both the installation and operation of reliable, flexible telecommunication services."
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