Satellite & Cable

January 13 , 2003
ITU, Inmarsat partner for disaster management

SWITZERLAND -- ITU is collaborating with Inmarsat to promote rural telecommunications and support emergency communications in least developed countries (LDCs). Inmarsat will make a contribution of Euro 105,000 for purchasing 15 global area network (GAN) satellite terminals in beneficiary countries.

Inmarsat will also participate in ITU's inclusive, technology-neutral and technology-independent framework for cost-effective and global deployment of technologies to benefit LDCs worldwide. ITU will select the beneficiary countries and contribute an amount equivalent to the value of the donated Inmarsat GAN terminals. This amount will be used to pay for airtime and other expenses associated with the execution of this project. Inmarsat GAN terminals are powered by Li-ion batteries and include built-in base stations that supports 12 cordless handsets. Up to five handsets can be used for internal calls.

Cosmas Zavazava, coordinator for the special unit for LDCs and focal point for emergency telecommunications in ITU's telecommunication development bureau (BDT), said, "Disasters are increasing at a dramatic rate, with severe consequences in LDCs." The project will assist LDCs in stimulating development of their telecommunications infrastructures.

Contact:
ITU
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Email: pressinfo@itu.int
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