Survival Telecom

Communication is one of the major social needs of human beings -- and something that becomes even more important at a time of a natural disaster. Although significant emphasis is placed on supporting basic human needs -- such as shelter and food (and rightly so) -- by organizations such as Disasters Emergency Committee (an umbrella organization covering various charities) -- the need for individuals in diaster stricken countries to communicate with the outside world -- on a personal basis -- is equally important. An individual, able to communicate with his relatives, friends or close colleagues can convey a much greater need for help than charities that appeal on the behalf of a nation or a group of individuals. The work undertaken by Telecoms Sans Frontieres (TSF) provides an example of a charity that helps establish telecom infrastructure after a natural disaster. TSF has undertaken remarkable work in Haiti, for instance, enabling "10,500 families (more than 60,000 people) to reach their relatives". TSF works to establish telecom infrastructure across the disaster stricken country/region, in addition to enabling communication with the outside world (sharing such infrastructure with media organizations and other charities). A wonderful example of using the internet and telecomms infrastructure to save lives.