In the aftermath of a hurricane, first responders are depending on the affected to communicate their situation. However, is today\u2019s telecoms up to scratch?<\/em><\/p>\n
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Unlike past years when we, at ICT Pulse, might have just reminded our readers about hurricane and disaster preparedness, this year, we cannot help but have them in the forefront with the recent passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which have devastated most of the Eastern Caribbean, and Puerto Rico. In the aftermath, when we are all grappling with the sheer scale of the loss and the rebuilding that must occur, one of the things we have been struck by is how vulnerable today\u2019s telecoms technology has become.<\/p>\n
Immediately following both Irma and Maria, when it would have been critical for both local and regional leaders to understand the scale of the destruction experienced, in many islands \u2013 Dominica being the most recent \u00ad\u2013 there was utter and complete silence. It took a few days for word to trickle out, and accordingly, for neighbouring countries to begin to mobilise the requested assistance.<\/p>\n
It is also interesting to consider the fact that in most Caribbean countries there is extremely high mobile\/cellular subscription density \u2013 over 100 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants \u2013 and coverage is also very good, with virtually all populated areas having connectivity. Additionally, mobile\/cellular towers (upon which transmitters and other devices are mounted) are available that can withstand category 5 hurricane winds (157 mph\/252 km\/h, or higher). As a result, mobile\/cellular communication has become an important cornerstone of many countries\u2019 disaster communication plan \u2013 to keep their citizens connected and to support the coordination efforts that would be needed.<\/p>\n
However, and again in the case of Dominica, which experienced winds of 160mph during Hurricane Maria, the island\u2019s mobile\/cellular networks were severely compromised, Residents and communities were cut off during, and most importantly, after the storm, and outside the main population centres, connectivity is unlikely return for several weeks.<\/p>\n
Outside of the physical destruction of telecoms networks that can occur during a disaster, a frequently overlooked, yet crucial input to the proper working of those networks, is electricity. As noted in a recent article in Barbados\u2019 Nation newspaper<\/a>, fibre optic networks need electricity to operate, unlike the traditional copper-based networks:<\/p>\n
Is it prudent for us to completely let go of \u2018the good old days\u2019?<\/h3>\n
Finally, whilst we may not think about it, hurricanes are part of the \u2018Caribbean experience<\/em>\u2019. The severity of the storms might fluctuate from year to year, but we always have a hurricane season.<\/p>\n
Further, although we now have all kinds of new-fangled telecoms technologies, they are proving to be extremely susceptible during storms, and so may not be available to provide the requisite support when needed. How did we manage in the past?<\/p>\n
Although voice telephony and radio would have been present, they might not have been available during or even after a severe storm. Many countries depended on the communications hobbyist, such as Amateur<\/strong> (Ham) Radio<\/em><\/strong><\/a> and Citizen Band (CB) Radio fraternities, to keep them connected.<\/p>\n
Final thoughts<\/h3>\n
With at least two more months to go before the end of the 2017 hurricane season, and the 2018 season to anticipate next year, the impact of such severe storms on local and the regional economy cannot be overstated. Further, and in light of the scale of destruction Hurricanes Irma and Maria meted out in the region within the span of about two weeks, it may be prudent for Caribbean leaders to revisit not only their countries\u2019 disaster plans and protocols, but also their infrastructure plans and policies, with a view to improving the overall resiliency of the infrastructure, and especially with respect to telecoms.<\/p>\n
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Image credit: \u00a0Pixabay (Pexels<\/a>)<\/p>\n
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