The Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) is a network of organizations that work together to provide shared communications services in humanitarian emergencies. UN agencies and programmes, NGOs, Stand-by Partners, government and other humanitarian organizations partner with the ETC to fulfil its mandate and objectives.
The ETC has been activated in Mali in response to fighting which broke out in early 2012 between the national forces and armed groups in northern Mali. The conflict triggered a political crisis, plunging the West African country into violence and displacing hundreds of thousands of people. The ETC is providing security and data communications services to the humanitarian community responding to this crisis.
Achievements
Provision of security telecommunications services to the humanitarian community in Bamako, Gao, Mopti and Timbuktu.
Provision of free data connectivity and voice telephony services to the humanitarian community in Mopti, Timbuktu and Gao, using the ETC Response Solution with equipment contributed by emergency.lu, Ericsson Response and the World Food Programme (WFP).
Increased standard of radio protocol and procedures across the humanitarian community for security and safety of staff, through delivery of Radio Training.
Increased radio security through allocation of new HF/VHF radio frequencies by government authorities. The ETC is also assisting relief organizations with reprogramming existing radio equipment.
Planned Activities
- ETC activities are required into 2014 and will be extended provided the necessary funding is received. Activities will likely involve continued support in current locations, trainings and potential deployment to additional locations.