The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has deployed 25 satellite terminals to help restore communication lines in Chile after the devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that hit the country on 27 February.
“Communications networks were disrupted by this massive earthquake, hampering rescue operations and the delivery of essential logistics and services. Our assistance will contribute towards the bridging of the current communication gap”, commented Sami Al Basheer Al Morshid, Director, ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau.
The union partnered with Iridium Communications Inc. to ensure connectivity for satellite handsets, which will be used by local authorities to facilitate humanitarian assistance to disaster victims.
ITU will introduce Iridium satellite phones in Chile, which can use both satellite and GSM networks, as well as delivering accurate GPS positioning coordinates to aid relief and rescue.
The equipment is expected to be deployed today, after it was airlifted yesterday out of Geneva.
ITU Secretary-General, Hamadoun Touré, described the situation as “a tragedy similar to that which so recently devastated Haiti”.
