Télécoms sans frontières
Encyclopedia
Télécoms Sans Frontières or TSF (Telecoms Without Borders) is a humanitarian-aid
non-governmental organization
specialised in emergency telecommunications.
The emergency telecommunication means provided benefit to the victims of natural disaster
s and of conflicts
, and to the other humanitarian aid organisations.
- 4 bases: Managua - Washington - Pau - Bangkok
- Designated "First Emergency Telecom Responder" within the Emergency Telecoms Cluster (ETC)
- Partner of UNOCHA and UNICEF
- Partner of the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO)
- Working group member of the United Nations emergency telecoms body (WGET) and a member of the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA).
Founded in 1998, Télécoms Sans Frontières is the world’s leading emergency telecommunications non-profit organization. For more than 13 years, TSF has participated in international emergency efforts, setting up emergency communications facilities in war or disaster zones for affected populations and relief workers.
The top priority for TSF is to reach the affected destination and set up communication facilities as quickly as possible, in the first hours of an emergency. The initial part of the response is the most critical part of the emergency - when we save lives.
Rapid-Response Emergency Operations
Once on the ground, TSF: (1) initiates a humanitarian calling operation; (2) establishes multiple emergency telecommunications centers for first responders; and, where necessary, (3) conducts ICT assessments to assist with recovery planning .
• Humanitarian Calling Operations
Once on the ground in an emergency, TSF deploys specialists to wherever survivors have found shelter and offers a free three-minute phone call to every family. These calls are frequently the first contact displaced persons have with the outside world. Affected civilians can get in touch with their family, receive personalized assistance and mental support, and reassure their loved ones that they are alive and safe after a disaster.
• Satellite-based Emergency Telecommunications Centers
Simultaneously, TSF specialists establish emergency telecom centers for emergency responders. The centers offer – at no charge – broadband internet access, voice communications, fax lines and all the IT equipment needed for a field office. These centers enable emergency NGOs, the UN agencies, and local authorities to communicate right at the heart of a crisis. They also facilitate the coordination of aid efforts. First responders use TSF’s telecommunications services to communicate vital information, stay connected with headquarters and other emergency responders in the country. Information management and sharing has become critical for an effective humanitarian response.
• ICT assessment.
TSF rapid response teams also assist local governments and emergency response coordinators to perform ICT assessments of damaged areas. We use our ICT experience to assist these organizations prepare to reestablish commercial networks or plan to build the ICT support infrastructure needed for the recovery stage following an emergency.
When connectivity issues arise and relief workers can’t work, it only serves to deepen the disaster. TSF thus relies on satellite services and sets up emergency satellite solutions to the benefit of humanitarian workers and affected people. When the local GSM network is still running in some parts of the afflicted regions, TSF uses mobile phones for local calls, particularly during humanitarian calling operations. It has always been crucial for TSF to use the most up-to-date and appropriate on-site solutions and to employ the latest technologies and devices.
Since its creation in 1998, TSF has:
• Deployed to +60 countries;
• Assisted +570 different relief organizations; and
• Provided free calls to hundreds of thousands of disaster victims and displaced persons.
Training And Capacity-Building Programs
Early Warning & Emergency Preparedness
Between emergency deployments, TSF uses its experience as the leading emergency ICT NGO to train other relief organizations and local government disaster response agencies on emergency telecommunications. We seek to augment this training in particular countries by working with local responders to develop emergency response plans and to pre-position critical response equipment.
• Training
A core goal of TSF is to strengthen the emergency ICT capacities of local governments and NGOs, using our experience as the leading emergency ICT NGO. We aim to improve the response abilities of these groups so that they can, by themselves, use ICT when they face emergencies in their geographic areas of interest. By doing this, TSF hopes not only both to improve local government and NGO performance in emergencies, but also to reduce the costs to emergency donors, as local responders can arrive at emergencies sooner and provide services at less expense.
To advance the goal of improving local response capabilities, TSF has developed and runs disaster relief and preparedness training programs. We bring staff from a wide range of local government agencies, NGOs, and UN agencies to training locations in Asia and Latin America. We train these staff on: (1) how to choose, deploy and use the latest ICT tools in emergencies; (2) how to prepare before a deployment; (3) how to create effective deployment budgets and how to deploy in cost-effective manners; and (4) how to coordinate with other responders in the field. The training includes classroom training sessions including theoretical presentations, hands-on sessions, and simulation exercises. Trainees who successfully complete the training are certified and gain access to an emergency ICT response web portal where they have access to the training materials, updates, and can communicate with their peer ICT responders throughout the world. We generally train personnel from the same geographic region at the same training, in an effort to create a community of responders who all have similar training and know each other ahead of field deployments, which improves performance in missions.
• ICT response plans and equipment
In addition to the immediate assistance provided after the disaster, TSF works to reinforce certain countries disaster response systems by providing emergency telecom kits to local relief organizations and training them in their use. We focus these efforts on some of the world’s most disaster-prone countries where TSF telecoms assessments reveal that improvement to communication systems will have a direct impact on saving lives and providing timely assistance during future disasters. TSF works with these countries to select and pre-position equipment that local ICT responders will need. The kits include satellite communications and IT equipment (“an office in a box” with phone, fax, and Internet capability), and can also include power supplies, so that when commercial infrastructure is down, offices can stay connected, report and coordinate with the central agency. The beneficiary organizations are trained to the use and the deployment of the kits’ equipment.
ICT For Development
Narrowing the Digital Divide
TSF is also increasingly involved in longer-term prevention and development activities that offer sustainable solutions to local associations and communities in the most vulnerable and isolated areas. Our goal is to bridge the digital divide and to use ICTs to allow local partners to more effectively and efficiently advance their goals in areas such as health, agriculture, education, economic development, and crisis prevention. These programs aim to share the benefits of ICT and mobile communications because ICTs are not only essential to humanitarian pursuits in emergencies, but also for the development activities that can prevent disasters or mitigate their impact
Examples of TSF’s ICT for development programs include:
• A partnership with the Department of Health in Managua, Nicaragua to use ICT tools to strengthen the fight against Dengue Fever. TSF set up a real-time monitoring system based on SMS technology, including 27 health units in the Managua urban area. By providing communication links between health structures and the SILAIS (crisis unit), TSF allows the Health Ministry to have more accurate information about the disease spread within Managua and quickly survey and assess the needs in affected areas. By collecting key indicators from all affected areas, the objective is to implement effective and adequate measures to stop the spread and avoid an uncontrollable epidemic. Through this program, TSF participates in strengthening health systems in Nicaragua .
• TSF has again decided to pursue the development of its mobile health program in Nicaragua, supporting the MINSA’s project for the promotion of sexual and reproductive rights in the regions of Jinotega and RAAN (Región Autónoma del Atlántico Norte). Early in 2011, TSF has reinforced the capacities of health workers at the SILAIS (crisis unit of the Health Ministry) in the Jinotega region.
• A partnership with the Mahidol-Oxford research unit to provide ICT support to laboratories and health clinics on the border between Myanmar and Thailand that monitor and treat malaria among the refugee population. Malaria kills over one million people each year. The situation is acute along the Myanmar-Thai border, where the treatment-resistant parasites are taking hold. TSF is empowering health care workers treating thousands of Burmese refugees and Thai patients, with special attention accorded to pregnant women and children.
TSF has already computerized the systems of the clinics. Previously, all patient data was recorded and stored on paper. A computerized data base now allows real-time data access of patient information by doctors allowing them to secure support and creating a framework for impact measurement.
• The development of community ICT centers in Abalak (Niger), Dakoro (Niger), Guiè (Burkina Faso), Telpaneca (Nicaragua), and Svay Check in Cambodia. Once the installation of the center achieved, it offers to community members and students, as well as to local and international organizations working with those vulnerable communities the means to communicate to the outside world: computer and IT equipment, broadband Internet connection, phone lines, fax, and computer and Internet trainings.
It’s a priority for TSF to ensure the durability of these projects, through an appropriate handover and by building local capacities. It is TSF’s desire to integrate local partners as much as possible on these projects to guarantee the sustainability of the centers. Local staff are also recruited and trained in the initial part of the project. They deliver the Internet and computer trainings to the beneficiaries and a local coordinator is in charge of the management of the center.
Because ICT tools are generally unobtainable to these organizations without TSF’s assistance, our ICT for development programs allow isolated communities or areas facing difficult development hurdles to help themselves.
Telecommunications Experts
TSF carries out its own innovation work as well. Between missions, TSF's technical staff works to develop improved software for field deployments. TSF experts stay up to date on the evolving world of ICT and mobile communications.
TSF's Contribution To UN Disaster Preparedness Trainings & Meetings - TSF's Contribution To WGET/ETC Plenary Meetings
TSF is requested to share knowledge on emergency telecommunications equipment during general training sessions and meetings (UNDAC Courses, INSARAG Earthquake simulation Exercises, UN Meetings, etc).
Trainings and exercises are conducted on a demand basis. Their objective is to train emergency staff on the agency’s telecoms equipment as well as emergency procedures. From its regional offices, TSF is asked to support these activities, notably sharing its expertise during the satellite communication exercises.
• TSF received the Space Achievement Award 2011
Colorado Springs, Colo. (Feb. 16, 2011) -- The Space Foundation has chosen Télécoms Sans Frontières to receive 2011 Space Achievement Awards, in recognition of its extraordinary accomplishments in space.
Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF) is being recognized for its unique use of space to aid communications and save lives during natural disasters and emergencies.
The awards were presented to the organization during the Opening Ceremony of the 27th National Space Symposium on April 11 at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo.
• Consumer Electronics Association Honors TSF.
On April 21st, in Washington, D.C., the Consumer Electronics Association’s Annual Digital Patriot’s Dinner recognized TSF.
• TSF Co-Founder Appointed Chevalier de La Légion d'Honneur.
On April 4th, TSF Co-Founder Jean-Francois Cazenave was appointed as Chevalier de La Legion d'Honneur, by decree of the President of France, for his decades of work in humanitarian relief. Appointment to the Legion d’Honor is the highest decoration in France.
• TSF Wins SSPI 2010 Industry Innovator Award. The Society of Satellite Professionals (SSPI) also recently named TSF as a 2010 Industry Innovators Award honoree in the category of Service Development and Applications “for applying satellite technology with a positive social, economic, or educational impact.”
• Satellite Industry Association Honors TSF.
In addition, the Satellite Industry Association (SIA), representing the world’s leading satellite operators, service providers, manufacturers, launch service providers and ground equipment suppliers, recognized TSF for its “exceptional relief efforts” during the earthquake in Haiti. At its Annual Satellite Leadership Dinner, SIA explained that the award recognized TSF for “providing satellite connectivity and offering essential means of communications for victims and relief agencies in the wake of a devastating natural disaster.”
• TSF Wins MSUA User Recognition Award.
Finally, the Mobile Satellite User Association (MSUA) gave TSF its 2010 User Recognition Award for being “among the first humanitarian groups on to arrive at disaster zones.” According to MSUA Chairman Bob Roe, “TSF understands, values, and optimizes mobile satellite communications whenever it deploys to a disaster area.”
Humanitarian aid
Humanitarian aid is material or logistical assistance provided for humanitarian purposes, typically in response to humanitarian crises including natural disaster and man-made disaster. The primary objective of humanitarian aid is to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity...
non-governmental organization
Non-governmental organization
A non-governmental organization is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government. The term originated from the United Nations , and is normally used to refer to organizations that do not form part of the government and are...
specialised in emergency telecommunications.
The emergency telecommunication means provided benefit to the victims of natural disaster
Natural disaster
A natural disaster is the effect of a natural hazard . It leads to financial, environmental or human losses...
s and of conflicts
War
War is a state of organized, armed, and often prolonged conflict carried on between states, nations, or other parties typified by extreme aggression, social disruption, and usually high mortality. War should be understood as an actual, intentional and widespread armed conflict between political...
, and to the other humanitarian aid organisations.
About TSF
- A worldwide network, monitoring emergencies 24/7, and ready to respond within 24 hours- 4 bases: Managua - Washington - Pau - Bangkok
- Designated "First Emergency Telecom Responder" within the Emergency Telecoms Cluster (ETC)
- Partner of UNOCHA and UNICEF
- Partner of the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO)
- Working group member of the United Nations emergency telecoms body (WGET) and a member of the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA).
Organisation
Access to reliable telecommunications has become critical to humanitarian response for both emergency responders and victims. First responders need telecommunications services to communicate assessments of the on-the-ground situation and humanitarian needs as quickly as possible and must be able to communicate with other emergency responders who are often spread across a wide geographic area. Victims of emergencies need telecommunications services to reconnect with separated family members, find medical assistance, access emergency housing and nutrition services, and contact relatives to arrange for support or simply to let their loved ones know that they have survived. Unfortunately, telecommunications services are frequently disrupted during emergencies. In some cases natural disasters or conflicts disable landline and wireless networks. In other situations, these emergencies threaten people living in areas where there was never a robust and reliable telecommunications system. Following a disaster the limited communication services, although functional, can become over-saturated slowing down the ability of local organizations to assist affected communities. The result is that in emergencies – where the need for telecommunications is greatest – telecommunications is often unavailable.Founded in 1998, Télécoms Sans Frontières is the world’s leading emergency telecommunications non-profit organization. For more than 13 years, TSF has participated in international emergency efforts, setting up emergency communications facilities in war or disaster zones for affected populations and relief workers.
Actions
With its 24-hour monitoring center and offices in Europe, Central America, Asia, and the United States, TSF crews of IT and telecoms specialists can (1) intervene anywhere in the world in less than 24 hours to provide emergency telecom service; (2) use ICT tools and experience to work with partners to make long-term development missions more effective and efficient; and (3) engage in training and other capacity-building missions to strengthen the ability of local governments and local NGOs to use ICT more effectively in emergencies.The top priority for TSF is to reach the affected destination and set up communication facilities as quickly as possible, in the first hours of an emergency. The initial part of the response is the most critical part of the emergency - when we save lives.
Rapid-Response Emergency Operations
Once on the ground, TSF: (1) initiates a humanitarian calling operation; (2) establishes multiple emergency telecommunications centers for first responders; and, where necessary, (3) conducts ICT assessments to assist with recovery planning .
• Humanitarian Calling Operations
Once on the ground in an emergency, TSF deploys specialists to wherever survivors have found shelter and offers a free three-minute phone call to every family. These calls are frequently the first contact displaced persons have with the outside world. Affected civilians can get in touch with their family, receive personalized assistance and mental support, and reassure their loved ones that they are alive and safe after a disaster.
• Satellite-based Emergency Telecommunications Centers
Simultaneously, TSF specialists establish emergency telecom centers for emergency responders. The centers offer – at no charge – broadband internet access, voice communications, fax lines and all the IT equipment needed for a field office. These centers enable emergency NGOs, the UN agencies, and local authorities to communicate right at the heart of a crisis. They also facilitate the coordination of aid efforts. First responders use TSF’s telecommunications services to communicate vital information, stay connected with headquarters and other emergency responders in the country. Information management and sharing has become critical for an effective humanitarian response.
• ICT assessment.
TSF rapid response teams also assist local governments and emergency response coordinators to perform ICT assessments of damaged areas. We use our ICT experience to assist these organizations prepare to reestablish commercial networks or plan to build the ICT support infrastructure needed for the recovery stage following an emergency.
When connectivity issues arise and relief workers can’t work, it only serves to deepen the disaster. TSF thus relies on satellite services and sets up emergency satellite solutions to the benefit of humanitarian workers and affected people. When the local GSM network is still running in some parts of the afflicted regions, TSF uses mobile phones for local calls, particularly during humanitarian calling operations. It has always been crucial for TSF to use the most up-to-date and appropriate on-site solutions and to employ the latest technologies and devices.
Since its creation in 1998, TSF has:
• Deployed to +60 countries;
• Assisted +570 different relief organizations; and
• Provided free calls to hundreds of thousands of disaster victims and displaced persons.
Training And Capacity-Building Programs
Early Warning & Emergency Preparedness
Between emergency deployments, TSF uses its experience as the leading emergency ICT NGO to train other relief organizations and local government disaster response agencies on emergency telecommunications. We seek to augment this training in particular countries by working with local responders to develop emergency response plans and to pre-position critical response equipment.
• Training
A core goal of TSF is to strengthen the emergency ICT capacities of local governments and NGOs, using our experience as the leading emergency ICT NGO. We aim to improve the response abilities of these groups so that they can, by themselves, use ICT when they face emergencies in their geographic areas of interest. By doing this, TSF hopes not only both to improve local government and NGO performance in emergencies, but also to reduce the costs to emergency donors, as local responders can arrive at emergencies sooner and provide services at less expense.
To advance the goal of improving local response capabilities, TSF has developed and runs disaster relief and preparedness training programs. We bring staff from a wide range of local government agencies, NGOs, and UN agencies to training locations in Asia and Latin America. We train these staff on: (1) how to choose, deploy and use the latest ICT tools in emergencies; (2) how to prepare before a deployment; (3) how to create effective deployment budgets and how to deploy in cost-effective manners; and (4) how to coordinate with other responders in the field. The training includes classroom training sessions including theoretical presentations, hands-on sessions, and simulation exercises. Trainees who successfully complete the training are certified and gain access to an emergency ICT response web portal where they have access to the training materials, updates, and can communicate with their peer ICT responders throughout the world. We generally train personnel from the same geographic region at the same training, in an effort to create a community of responders who all have similar training and know each other ahead of field deployments, which improves performance in missions.
• ICT response plans and equipment
In addition to the immediate assistance provided after the disaster, TSF works to reinforce certain countries disaster response systems by providing emergency telecom kits to local relief organizations and training them in their use. We focus these efforts on some of the world’s most disaster-prone countries where TSF telecoms assessments reveal that improvement to communication systems will have a direct impact on saving lives and providing timely assistance during future disasters. TSF works with these countries to select and pre-position equipment that local ICT responders will need. The kits include satellite communications and IT equipment (“an office in a box” with phone, fax, and Internet capability), and can also include power supplies, so that when commercial infrastructure is down, offices can stay connected, report and coordinate with the central agency. The beneficiary organizations are trained to the use and the deployment of the kits’ equipment.
ICT For Development
Narrowing the Digital Divide
TSF is also increasingly involved in longer-term prevention and development activities that offer sustainable solutions to local associations and communities in the most vulnerable and isolated areas. Our goal is to bridge the digital divide and to use ICTs to allow local partners to more effectively and efficiently advance their goals in areas such as health, agriculture, education, economic development, and crisis prevention. These programs aim to share the benefits of ICT and mobile communications because ICTs are not only essential to humanitarian pursuits in emergencies, but also for the development activities that can prevent disasters or mitigate their impact
Examples of TSF’s ICT for development programs include:
• A partnership with the Department of Health in Managua, Nicaragua to use ICT tools to strengthen the fight against Dengue Fever. TSF set up a real-time monitoring system based on SMS technology, including 27 health units in the Managua urban area. By providing communication links between health structures and the SILAIS (crisis unit), TSF allows the Health Ministry to have more accurate information about the disease spread within Managua and quickly survey and assess the needs in affected areas. By collecting key indicators from all affected areas, the objective is to implement effective and adequate measures to stop the spread and avoid an uncontrollable epidemic. Through this program, TSF participates in strengthening health systems in Nicaragua .
• TSF has again decided to pursue the development of its mobile health program in Nicaragua, supporting the MINSA’s project for the promotion of sexual and reproductive rights in the regions of Jinotega and RAAN (Región Autónoma del Atlántico Norte). Early in 2011, TSF has reinforced the capacities of health workers at the SILAIS (crisis unit of the Health Ministry) in the Jinotega region.
• A partnership with the Mahidol-Oxford research unit to provide ICT support to laboratories and health clinics on the border between Myanmar and Thailand that monitor and treat malaria among the refugee population. Malaria kills over one million people each year. The situation is acute along the Myanmar-Thai border, where the treatment-resistant parasites are taking hold. TSF is empowering health care workers treating thousands of Burmese refugees and Thai patients, with special attention accorded to pregnant women and children.
TSF has already computerized the systems of the clinics. Previously, all patient data was recorded and stored on paper. A computerized data base now allows real-time data access of patient information by doctors allowing them to secure support and creating a framework for impact measurement.
• The development of community ICT centers in Abalak (Niger), Dakoro (Niger), Guiè (Burkina Faso), Telpaneca (Nicaragua), and Svay Check in Cambodia. Once the installation of the center achieved, it offers to community members and students, as well as to local and international organizations working with those vulnerable communities the means to communicate to the outside world: computer and IT equipment, broadband Internet connection, phone lines, fax, and computer and Internet trainings.
It’s a priority for TSF to ensure the durability of these projects, through an appropriate handover and by building local capacities. It is TSF’s desire to integrate local partners as much as possible on these projects to guarantee the sustainability of the centers. Local staff are also recruited and trained in the initial part of the project. They deliver the Internet and computer trainings to the beneficiaries and a local coordinator is in charge of the management of the center.
Because ICT tools are generally unobtainable to these organizations without TSF’s assistance, our ICT for development programs allow isolated communities or areas facing difficult development hurdles to help themselves.
Telecommunications Experts
TSF carries out its own innovation work as well. Between missions, TSF's technical staff works to develop improved software for field deployments. TSF experts stay up to date on the evolving world of ICT and mobile communications.
TSF's Contribution To UN Disaster Preparedness Trainings & Meetings - TSF's Contribution To WGET/ETC Plenary Meetings
TSF is requested to share knowledge on emergency telecommunications equipment during general training sessions and meetings (UNDAC Courses, INSARAG Earthquake simulation Exercises, UN Meetings, etc).
Trainings and exercises are conducted on a demand basis. Their objective is to train emergency staff on the agency’s telecoms equipment as well as emergency procedures. From its regional offices, TSF is asked to support these activities, notably sharing its expertise during the satellite communication exercises.
Awards
TSF’s recent honors and awards include:• TSF received the Space Achievement Award 2011
Colorado Springs, Colo. (Feb. 16, 2011) -- The Space Foundation has chosen Télécoms Sans Frontières to receive 2011 Space Achievement Awards, in recognition of its extraordinary accomplishments in space.
Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF) is being recognized for its unique use of space to aid communications and save lives during natural disasters and emergencies.
The awards were presented to the organization during the Opening Ceremony of the 27th National Space Symposium on April 11 at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colo.
• Consumer Electronics Association Honors TSF.
On April 21st, in Washington, D.C., the Consumer Electronics Association’s Annual Digital Patriot’s Dinner recognized TSF.
• TSF Co-Founder Appointed Chevalier de La Légion d'Honneur.
On April 4th, TSF Co-Founder Jean-Francois Cazenave was appointed as Chevalier de La Legion d'Honneur, by decree of the President of France, for his decades of work in humanitarian relief. Appointment to the Legion d’Honor is the highest decoration in France.
• TSF Wins SSPI 2010 Industry Innovator Award. The Society of Satellite Professionals (SSPI) also recently named TSF as a 2010 Industry Innovators Award honoree in the category of Service Development and Applications “for applying satellite technology with a positive social, economic, or educational impact.”
• Satellite Industry Association Honors TSF.
In addition, the Satellite Industry Association (SIA), representing the world’s leading satellite operators, service providers, manufacturers, launch service providers and ground equipment suppliers, recognized TSF for its “exceptional relief efforts” during the earthquake in Haiti. At its Annual Satellite Leadership Dinner, SIA explained that the award recognized TSF for “providing satellite connectivity and offering essential means of communications for victims and relief agencies in the wake of a devastating natural disaster.”
• TSF Wins MSUA User Recognition Award.
Finally, the Mobile Satellite User Association (MSUA) gave TSF its 2010 User Recognition Award for being “among the first humanitarian groups on to arrive at disaster zones.” According to MSUA Chairman Bob Roe, “TSF understands, values, and optimizes mobile satellite communications whenever it deploys to a disaster area.”