Humanitarian Comms

Relief operations in Sri Lanka and on the Thai-Cambodia border receive comms boost

True supports relief operations on the Thai-Cambodia border

More reminders of the importance of satellites, Wi-Fi and cellular to emergency communications come from recent events in Sri Lanka and on the Thai–Cambodian border.

Satellite operator Eutelsat and its Indian partner, service provider Bharti Airtel, have said that they are extending low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity from Eutelsat’s OneWeb constellation to aid the Indian army’s ongoing relief operations in areas of Sri Lanka hit by floods after November’s Ditwah cyclone storm.

Eutelsat says that, with the deployment of high-speed and low-latency LEO services, the army has been able to re-establish reliable communications in regions where terrestrial networks have been severely disrupted.

The connectivity is facilitating round-the-clock telemedicine consultations with specialist medical teams, ensuring that the Indian army can deliver essential healthcare and emergency assistance to affected communities without delay.

A slightly different emergency – but also one where telecommunications services have been playing a positive role – comes from the Thai–Cambodia border, where Thai operator True Corporation says it is working closely with the military, government agencies and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (Thailand's regulator) to maintain communication services and accelerate repairs of affected base stations, while also providing continuous support to evacuees sheltered in temporary camps.

Thie effort includes enabling the installation of large-screen TVs in temporary shelters for evacuees and activating free Wi-Fi and mobile cell-on-wheels (COW) at shelters as well as offering free SIM cards. Mobile charging points have also been made available and True has provided 10GB of free data for seven days for affected customers. In addition, the company has extended its customer relief measures, continuing a deferred payment programme until 22 December. It is also providing drinking water and dried food.

True adds that it has been able to strengthen surveillance through an operation centre called the BNIC (Brain Network Intelligent Centre), which uses AI analytics and 24/7 monitoring teams to ensure quick resolution of network issues.

There has been fighting along the border between Thailand and Cambodia for some months. A number of news outlets suggest that conflict is related to competing territorial claims.



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