Emergency Telecommunications Plan Regulatory Challenges IEEE Workshop Lebanese
Emergency Telecommunications Plan Regulatory Challenges IEEE Workshop Lebanese American University 12 November 2011 Sahar Cheaito Spectrum Policy Expert Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), Lebanon
Content • • • Why an Emergency Telecommunications Plan? The Correlation between Emergency and Telecommunications Types of Disasters Phases of Disasters Telecommunications Modes and Technological Convergence The Role of Telecommunications services and means in case of Disasters The Impacts of Disasters on Telecommunications Emergency Telecommunications Plan requirement Situational Analysis International Approaches The Need for a National Emergency Plan (Issues and Concerns) 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 2
Why an Emergency Telecommunications Plan? The entire world is highly affected by natural disasters, Acts of violence, terrorist attacks, and confrontations driving governments & administrations to consider the Public Protection and Disaster Relief of high importance and to consider it as a priority for them and for their citizens 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 3
Why an Emergency Telecommunications Plan? Emergency event risks and crisis could happen anywhere and at anytime Disaster prevention, mitigation, and management are essentials 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 4
The Correlation between Emergency and Telecommunications means and services are vital for emergency response 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 5
The Correlation between Emergency and Telecommunications networks might be disrupted by the event itself Equipment Shelter Antennas PSTN Switch Coaxial cables 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 6
The Correlation between Emergency and Telecommunications • While telecommunications systems, networks and services play a vital role in emergency events • Telecommunications networks might be disrupted by the event itself, overloaded due to increased demand for services, or even get attacked and infiltrated • Telecommunications networks need to have their own emergency plan in order to be robust in emergency cases and able to handle traffic effectively in hard situations. 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 7
Types of Disasters Natural Disasters Tsunami Earthquakes Contractible Diseases Storms Fires Floods Various disasters of this category are predictable in advance like floods (due to heavy rains). The meteorological department can predict rains, and warn the people accordingly In this case, mostly communication on terrestrial lines fails while radio and satellite based system works 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 8
Types of Disasters Man Made Disasters weather changes Confrontations Wars Violence, Civil Disorders Bombing Car accident The management of such disaster is done by the governmental and operating agencies, police and rescue workers 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 9
Types of Disasters Technological Man Made Disasters • Electronic War in the E‐World • Identity Theft and Virus attacks • Interception of signals and spoofing • Radio frequency interference • Unauthorized use of system resources • Interception and interference on Radio networks Operators and service providers should maintain network security and integrity. 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 10
Phases of Disasters The management and preparation of a Telecommunications network for emergency should be divided into three phases; Prediction Prevention 11/6/2020 Preparedness Action in case of disasters Emergency Telecommunications Plan Relief Repair of consequences 11
Technological Convergence Many telecommunication services could be used during a disaster with their growth until nowadays Telex, Telemetry, Facsimile FM, TV Broadband Telephony, Paging, Cellular 11/6/2020 Data, Packet Switch Data, Electronic mail, Internet Emergency Telecommunications Plan 12
Telecommunications Modes voice Video Data • The most preferred mode in a critical situation • The most used for public warning and preparedness • Immune against any overload ( robust technology) • Increases resistance against the physical impact of disasters • Interactive communications (voice +video) Internet 11/6/2020 • Using web based directories to communicate with who can provide assistance • Tracking news and weather information from a variety of providers (government, academic, commercial) • Find up‐to‐date geopolitical info, geographical maps, travel warnings, … • Accessing medical database to gather info Emergency Telecommunications Plan 13
The Role of Telecommunications services and means in case of Disasters Telecommunications services and technologies play a vital role before, during, and after a disaster ; • • Track approaching hazards Alert authorities and warn affected populations Coordinate relief operations Assess damages and Mobilizing support for reconstruction Telecommunications networks are divided into Public and private networks. Public Networks • TV, FM and Satellite Broadcasting, and Mobile Emergency Broadcasting • Public Switch Telephone networks • Terrestrial Mobile services • Internet and social networks • Amateur Radio Services • Private Mobile Radio • Broadband Satellite services (VSAT broadband satellite services) • Mobile satellite services 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 14
The Role of Telecommunications services and means in case of Disasters Telecommunications networks are divided into Public and private networks. • Emergency Telecommunications Services in Public Networks: TV and FM Broadcasting usually used for public warning to be aware and take necessary actions before the disaster 11/6/2020 Radio Amateurs volunteer and help in humanitarian assistance Emergency Telecommunications Plan • May be used temporarily as a back up to carry information from/to users who are not part of the mission‐critical user group • Could inter‐work through gateways or through Emergency Control Centers 15
The Role of Telecommunications services and means in case of Disasters Disaster Emergency Telecommunication Services Jamming, Blocking or Network congestion Affected Networks PSTN Mobile Internet Mobile Satellite Switches 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 16
The Role of Telecommunications services and means in case of Disasters Maritime Services Private Networks • The Maritime Radio Service has applications in disaster communications • It uses the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) • This service is only use to ships and Marine Rescue centers for the purpose of safety of life at sea Aeronautical • • Local civil aviation authorities should be asked for the allocation of a channel for such traffic Respective information should be included in the agreement with the air carrier and in the briefings to the crew 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 17
The Role of Telecommunications services in case of disasters Alternative services Alternative Telecommunications systems and services could that be used by public and NGO, could also be used by governmental entities with different technologies and method of use • • Mobile Satellite telephones VSAT service in disaster area PMR (Public Mobile Radio) Services – Commercial PMR – Emergency use PMR Services ( ambulance, fire stations, /fire mans, Red Cross) Van containing Mobile equipment such as GSM, etc. along with transmission system and switching equipment 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 18
Use of Alternative services and systems Telecommunications networks might be disrupted by the event itself Equipment Shelter Antennas PSTN Switch Coaxial cables 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 19
The Impacts of Disasters on Telecommunications Disasters have impact on Telecommunications supply and demand by creating additional temporary needs at a time of reduced availability of the overload networks. The effects of disaster on Telecommunications infrastructure are multifarious; • • • The buildings may collapsed Bridges could be expurgated Roads could be blocked Fire breaks out Power supply gets mess up è loss of sites facilities Interruption of power supply, and hardware failure • Telephone exchanges get overloaded • Towers get damaged • Cables get splashed away Loss of infrastructure connectivity The operators have to make best use of available Telecommunications networks, and have an alternative interconnections network. 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 20
Emergency Telecommunications Plan Requirement • Prior planning and testing for emergency telecommunications systems, to increase the robustness of networks and the effective use of telecommunications means during disasters • Follow public safety norms and standards • Install towers and equipment at adequate heights in areas prone to high waves and floods • and sites with Distribute essential equipment to not be installed in one building. • Equip towers, equipment adequate fire detection and extinguishing systems • should start applying the anti earthquake Standards on all buildings, towers and equipment sites • Cables should be buried underground in ducts to reduce their vulnerability • Redundancy Requirement to prevent total network failure due to a single point of failure – Insure redundant transmissions links between networks elements and switches – Insure alternative telecommunications means for different communications systems; • Use wired systems (optical fibers and coaxial cables) as alternatives for wireless telecommunications systems failure and vice versa • Alternative and secure International gateways and International Paths 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 21
Emergency Telecommunications Plan Requirement • Backup Requirements – Backups of network elements, batteries spares and fuel can prevent total failures from minor equipment damage. Ensure availability of spares and fuel storage in an accessible and secure area on site for emergency – Reserve an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with sufficient External Batteries to ensure service is not interrupted to all key equipment in the event of a main power supply failure – Consider alternate means of power like Solar power systems • Trigger Prevention Measures – Develop clear congestion management process – Develop an effective management plan to ensure connectivity between public entities and users of telecommunications during emergencies (Red cross, civil defense and police states) – Monitor through an effective network management system which should cover fault, configuration, performance, security and traffic management – Re‐route traffic to different routes through the Call Gaping and Traffic management and Policing systems – Plan for extra capacity on networks in order to cater for high traffic generated during emergencies 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 22
Emergency Telecommunications Plan Requirement The Spectrum management role in public safety The spectrum management role is to optimize spectrum use and ensure an effective use of spectrum for the emergency telecommunications Spectrum Harmonization • • • The global harmonization of spectrum for public safety is very important, especially during response and relief operations, it enable the exchange of telecom equipment between neighbouring countries during and after a disaster. It is essential to ensure harmonization with neighbouring countries in spectrum used for emergency over different bands UHF Band allocations and public safety • • With digital dividend and ASO, some administrations were allocating a part of the UHF band for public safety and emergency use. Broadband public safety plan is acquired in some countries and it is be very effective during response and relief cases. 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 23
Emergency Telecommunications New trends and Technologies Some administrations and organizations are benefiting from the new telecommunications trends and technology innovations in implementing and developing an emergency telecommunications plans Two new trends that are adopted in emergency telecommunications planning ; Forward caller location, and Cell Broadcasting Forward caller location (Location based Services) • To ensure the receiving of voice calls and messages to the emergency centres, involved governmental entities, NGOs, etc. . Cell Broadcasting • • An efficient mobile technology used to broadcast messages to all mobile handsets and similar devices within a designated geographical area It offers the capability of reaching network subscribers on time and without using extra network capacity. Cheaper than SMS, and includes location based capabilities features that is required during emergencies 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 24
Emergency Telecommunications Cell Broadcasting and SMS Cell Broadcasting An efficient mobile technology SMS Uses extensive network resources Broadcast messages to all mobile handsets and Not able to target a limited geographical area devices within a designated geographical area Offers the capability of reaching network subscribers on time without using extra network capacity SMS is a store & forward (non‐real‐time) best effort service, can be delayed significantly is vulnerable to failure due to traffic overload Includes location based capabilities features that is required during emergencies SMS cannot provide the location accuracy because the mobile is on the control channel for a short period of time 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 25
Emergency Telecommunications New trends and Technologies (Cell Broadcasting) Cell Broadcasting use • • Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) is warning and alert system based on cell broadcasting and the Public Warning System used by the US government for officials to send alert messages to mobile subscribers within a specific area. The European Public Warning System (EU‐ALERT) using the Cell Broadcast Service VAS operators should be required to stop all SMS bulk messages during emergencies as this might cause additional congestion and blockage of the network. They can use cell broadcast instead, it is even cheaper, they can specify to which area they are delivering messages and benefit from this criteria 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 26
International Approaches Governments, especially with massive natural and man‐made disasters, recognize the role of a national and integrated emergency telecommunications plan in reducing the disastrous effect of disasters. • USA approach toward PPDR Telecom Plan • European Approach • ITU • Other Administrations and Regulatory Authorities Approaches 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 27
International Approaches USA approach toward PPDR Telecom Plan • Since September 11 2001, an emergency telecommunications plan becomes a first priority, because of the failures of wireless communications systems at that time • The Congress considered a radio frequency spectrum allocation and funding program for a public safety broadband network (PSBN), and in In May 2011 The 112 th Congress assigned the block D of radio frequency spectrum licenses, for federal support of broadband networks for emergency communications where the cost of constructing new networks is estimated to be in the tens of billions of dollars • After years of debate, a majority in the public safety community has agreed to implement common technologies using Internet Protocol (IP)‐enabled networks and the wireless technology Long Term Evolution (LTE) to build the nationwide PSBN • An urgent, timely decisions by policy makers to build new infrastructure for emergency communications and spectrum allocation for public safety radios 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 28
International Approaches USA approach toward PPDR Telecom Plan Challenges • Commercial deployment of wireless networks using LTE standards (that might also support public safety use) are outside the planning efforts of public safety and • government officials • Projects that received Broadband Technology Opportunities (BTOP) grants to build broadband infrastructure to link wireless networks and upgrade 911 systems Could fail to leverage BTOP‐funded infrastructure • Even that the IP‐enabled networks are considered essential to the introduction of NG 9‐ 1‐ 1 and that the IP‐enabled technologies are faster and smarter, capable of analyzing and directing communications as they move through networks; • the broadband network with the next generation IP technologies requires significant changes in operations and long‐standing agency traditions, major investments in infrastructure and radios, and the development of enabling technologies 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 29
International Approaches European Approach • An Emergency Telecommunication (EMTEL) concept is addressing all aspects related to the provisioning of telecommunications services (private and public services) In emergency situations, covers the telecommunications needs of society's dedicated resources for ensuring public safety; • In September 2002, an EMTEL ad‐hoc group was set up under the Operational Co‐ordination Group (OCG) to look at standardization requirements in the emergency telecommunications, to interface with the European Commission and to ensure the coordination of work between ETSI technical bodies. • In February 2005 f this group became a Special Committee (SC) EMTEL group who is able to produce Technical Reports (TRs) or Technical Specifications (TSs). • Under EMTEL Standardization ETSI help the development of dedicated equipment that allow priority access, enable interoperability and interfacing between services and systems to allow authorities and public safety organizations to communicate across services and borders 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 30
International Approaches European Approach • The EMTEL Recommendations in the area of emergency telecommunications that have been already agreed by the European Union; • A new provision to forward caller location information related to 112 emergency calls to the respective authorities. • Some of the SC EMTEL publications; • TR 102 444: Analysis of the Short Message Service (SMS) and Cell Broadcast Service • TR 102 476: Emergency calls and Vo. IP • ETSI is currently defining the user requirements for the four main areas of emergency communications: • • Communication from citizens to authorities/organizations (emergency calls) Communication between authorities/organizations (public safety comms) Communication from authorities/organizations to citizens (warning systems) Communication amongst citizens during emergencies 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 31
International Approaches ITU The ITU has recognized national & global use of radio communication in case of disaster and urged the administrations to take all practical steps to facilitate the rapid deployment and effective use of Telecommunications resources for disaster mitigation and disaster relief operations, the main ITU recommendations; • • • National disaster preparedness plan Cooperation between organizations Trainings & trial implementation Reporting Reduce regulatory barriers during disaster & mobilizing amateur radio facilities, Apply Tampere Convention Some of the important ITU publications in this area; • ITU‐R F. 1105: “Transportable Fixed Radiocommunication Equipment for Relief Operation” deals with various types of transportable wireless equipment and their broad characteristics • Handbook on disaster communication published by the ITU‐D that deals with this subject in a comprehensive manner with specific needs for developing countries 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 32
International Approaches ITU Tampere Convention; • It is a treaty signed on 18 June 1998, which simplifies the use of life saving Telecommunications equipment; • it covers both the installation and operation of reliable and flexible Telecommunications services • In this convention the regulatory barriers that impede the use of Telecommunications resources for disasters are waived Regulatory barriers; • include licensing requirements to use allocated frequencies, • restrictions on the import of Telecommunications equipment, and • limitations on the movement of the humanitarian teams 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 33
International Approaches Other Administrations and Regulatory Authorities Approaches Most of administrations are following the ITU recommendations and/or US and European international standards in implementing a new emergency telecommunications plan The UAE Approach The UAE published the National Telecommunications Emergency Plan NEP‐T as a part of the national emergency plan (NCEMA) through the NCTE (National committee for Telecoms Emergency) the TRA UAE role in this case is to; • Provide Telecom information and advices to NCEMA • Coordinate the activities of the licensees in dealing with the emergency • Maintain and set up the NCTE Team • Provide representatives for NCEMA once needed • Links NEPT to business continuity capabilities 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 34
Situational Analysis No national platform that involve the telecommunications sector in a Public Protection and Disaster Relief plan in Lebanon; • The Higher Recovery Committee that established in 1977 is mostly involved in disaster recovery more than response, it is not involved in preparedness • A draft law were prepared to establish a national disaster management Authority in 2003 • Adoption for the Hyogo Framework for Action "HFA" 2005‐ 2015 started in 2009 • last year in 2011 The Lebanese Government created a National Committee for the implementation of the Hyogo Framework • Recently on October 21 2011 , the UNISDR Chief, Margareta Wahlstrom, after meetings with the Prime Minister, the Army Chief of Staff , and some of the Lebanese Ministers published that Lebanon will establish the National Disaster Response Plan by next month There is no immersion for the telecommunications sector in planning for the National Disaster Response Plan !!! 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 35
Situational Analysis Lebanon statistics in case of natural disasters As per the Prevention Website Natural Disasters from 1980 – 2010 Data related to human and economic losses from disasters that have occurred between 1980 and 2010 No of events 6 No of people killed 46 Average killed per year 1 No of people affected 123, 090 Average affected per year 3, 971 Economic Damage (US$ X 1, 000) 165, 000 Economic Damage per year (US$ X 1, 000) 5, 323 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 36
Situational Analysis Lebanese areas that are vulnerable to Tsunami In March 2011 , The National Council for Scientific Research estimates the actual risks prevailing in the region, stretching from Istanbul in Turkey and down to the Dead Sea, and will certainly hopped on to Lebanon by sea and include the risks of earthquake ion the ground a potential tsunami risk with Waves height reaching 5. 7 meters Lebanese areas that are vulnerable to Tsunami Lebanon should benefits from the Tsunami warning system in Cyprus, to reduce the Tsunami risks’ effects The alerts could be sent via radio stations, automatic message boards, mobile phones and pagers. 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 37
Situational Analysis Telecom networks performance during disasters (War 2006 ) Based on a study issued by the Lebanese GSM Operator (MTC) after Israeli‐Lebanese conflict in July 2006 to assess the network operations and performance during the conflict days, as well to evaluate damages occurred due to bombing • Mobile phones calls jumped on MTC Network by almost 40% immediately with the occurrence of conflicts • Call volumes fell almost 60% in the South Lebanon • Some Networks were damaged due to bombing which led to a sharp increase in call congestion, • Call Volumes from mobiles to the emergency services jumped in several days, A dramatic increase in SMS subscriptions to SMS news services for the duration of the war • A physical damage for the fixed line, TV and radio networks 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 38
Situational Analysis Telecom networks performance during 2006 War Analysis results extracted from the MTC Report Call Volumes during the weeks of conflict SMS Volumes due to the War 2000 SMS + 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 39
Situational Analysis Telecom networks performance during 2006 War Analysis results extracted from the MTC Report Telecom services and means used to receive info during conflicts Through SAT 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 40
The Need for a National Emergency Plan (Issues and Concerns) Lebanon had suffered from Manmade disasters as well as natural disasters, its political and geographical position makes it prone to a range of big and small scale threats The risks of the natural and manmade disasters is intensified with the prompt implementations of new telecommunications services and the rapid development of new technologies especially with the; • • Unprofessional planning of telecommunications networks Disorganized and unsafe housing, Disregarding of Public Safety norms in networks planning Lack of coordination between Service Providers and networks’ engineering Lessons learned from previous disasters’ cases – Networks congestions and block of calls – Blockage of national and international communications means 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 41
Regulatory Challenges • No national and centralized emergency telecommunications plan set by the involved entities • Emergency response agencies are not integrated and do not have a harmonizing and coordinating framework for telecommunications emergency plan • it is difficult to invest in building and maintaining appropriate levels of operability, interoperability, and continuity of communications. • Many entities/involved parties often do not consider communications planning to be a priority and therefore do not allocate resources for participation in planning activities. 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 42
Thank You ! 11/6/2020 Emergency Telecommunications Plan 43
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