Nokia Networks and Save the Children have announced the extension of their partnership to protect Indian children during disasters, with Nokia set to deploy solutions to enable critical communication during disasters.
The collaboration was launched in 2014 across five states - Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi and Rajasthan – with the aim to "Use Connectivity to build Resilience of Children and their Communities in India".
In the latest development, Nokia Networks will provide its LTE-based Network-in-a-box (NIB) solution for public safety mobile broadband to the programme. The NIB solution will be deployed in six pilot villages early next year and act as a standalone communication system with its radio, core, access and application layers.
"With our Network-in-a-box solution, we can enable efficient and reliable communication between task-forces to support rescue efforts, and ensure humanitarian aid is delivered to impacted communities," said Sandeep Girotra, vice president and head of India at Nokia Networks.
The first phase of the programme recently concluded in 176 villages, with Save the Children preparing communities to respond efficiently during and after disasters by creating specific disaster management plans, school safety plans and village task-forces.
The second phase will see Save the Children will extend the programme to another 174 villages while also developing partnerships with relevant stakeholders in order to strengthen the disaster resilience model in all 350 villages.
