IPSTAR as Emergency Communication Platform for Disaster Preparedness and Recovery

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1 IPSTAR as Emergency Communication Platform for Disaster Preparedness and Recovery September 2011 COPYRIGHT THAICOM PLC 2011 PROPRIETARY

2 CONTENT Abstract 3 Introduction 4-5 IPSTAR Experience in Disaster Preparedness and Recovery 6-11 Recommendations IPSTAR ite P aper PRIT T AI P 211 PR PRIETAR 2

3 Abstract The paper discusses satellite communication as an enabler for the management of humanitarian aid, emergency response operations, and business backup in the event of natural and man-made disasters. Terrestrial networks are often among the first casualties of disaster at a time when they are needed the most; communication outages caused by severe weather conditions, unexpected disasters, and other telecommunication disruptions can occur in short notice and oftentimes without warning. Satellite platforms, like IPSTAR, can step in to fill the communication, command, and control gaps as a result of crippled terrestrial networks. Broadband Satellite is a proven solution for quick disaster recovery and emergency communications. COPYRIGHT THAICOM PLC 2011 PROPRIETARY 3

4 1. Introduction Telecommunication facilities have become an essential part of our everyday lives and the need for communications becomes especially crucial during disaster situations. However, communication infrastructure can easily become damaged as the result of disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, landslides, and typhoons. Ground-based telecom infrastructures such as fixed line and mobile networks get easily damaged no matter how well designed or sophisticated they are. A rapid reestablishment of telecom facilities becomes essential not only for the victims to communicate with the outside world, but also for the first responders and disaster recovery personnel for proper coordination of their activities, and to establish command and control links with their headquarters. Telecom companies need to re-establish their service coverage as early as possible, and may not be able to rely on traditional terrestrial backhaul methods at least in the primary stages of their recovery effort. Communications based on advanced broadband satellite platforms such as IPSTAR are well suited for immediate deployment in emergency situations as they are immune to disaster events. The IPSTAR product and solution portfolio is designed to meet the precise needs of putting communication networks back on line in the event of any natural or man-made disasters. IPSTAR allows quick setup and deployment of services using portable antennas or Mobile VSAT Vehicle (MVV). Being an end-to-end IP based service, IPSTAR allows interfacing with all kinds of IP based devices such as Small Cells, VoIP telephones, or WiFi access points etc. COPYRIGHT THAICOM PLC 2011 PROPRIETARY 4

5 Mobile Core Network Ka Band Ku Band Cellular BSC/RAN GW Emergency Communication Services PSTN VoIP GW IPSTAR Portable Antenna Small Cell Mobile Phone IPSTAR Gateway WiFi Broadband PC Internet IPSTAR Portable Antenna ATA VoIP Telephone Figure 1: IPSTAR Services for Emergency Communications In the past several years the IPSTAR platform has proven its disaster deployment worthiness by delivering a broad range of emergency communication services all over the Asia Pacific region. Government and rescue agencies have deployed broadband Internet, and VoIP service to emergency response teams and victims of disasters. Telcos have also made use of IPSTAR to provide voice and data service to emergency shelters using Femtocells, and to rapidly recover their lost network coverage by backhauling to remote base stations whose terrestrial links have been destroyed. Since IPSTAR provides nationwide coverage and consistent Quality of Service (QoS) regardless of location, any disaster hit area in the country can be serviced effectively on a very short notice. COPYRIGHT THAICOM PLC 2011 PROPRIETARY 5

6 2. IPSTAR Experience in Disaster Preparedness and Recovery IPSTAR has gained valuable experience and expertise in delivering communication solutions for disaster related events. IPSTAR has played a vital role in humanitarian aid and recovery efforts in the aftermath of disasters, and in the rapid recovery of lost telecom networks, during these events: Japan Tsunami, 2011 Southern Thailand Floods, 2010 Sichuan Earthquake, China, 2008 Although emergency communication requirements after the occurrence of disasters is the need that is given more priority, it has also been observed that keeping communication infrastructure ready for disaster preparedness also pays dividends in the future. In one such case, New Zealand Fire Services kept a fleet of their fire trucks equipped with IPSTAR satellite onboard gear. These mobile communication vehicles could then be deployed at a very short notice during the Christchurch Earthquake which aided the emergency efforts there tremendously. The following are some of the experiences gained by IPSTAR regarding disaster related communication efforts: 2.1. Restoration of Cellular Networks in Tsunami Hit Japan A magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck Japan with epicenter approximately 70 kilometers east of the Oshika Peninsula of Tōhoku on 11 March, The earthquake and resulting tsunami caused extensive and crippling structural damages. Besides heavy destruction of housing and transportation infrastructure, destruction of a nuclear power plant, collapse of a dam, as well as fires in many areas, the disaster caused massive disruption of cellular phone services. All the 4 major service providers of Japan had their infrastructure destroyed with NTT Docomo, KDDI, Softbank Mobile (SBM), and Emobile losing 6720, 3680, 3800, and 878 base stations, respectively, over 11 prefectures. The service providers selected IPSTAR for its instant backhaul capability to bring back their service into operation. Base stations of various capabilities such as Pico BTS, Micro BTS, and even full capacity Macro BTS made use of IPSTAR backhaul to connect to their core network. This backhaul over IPSTAR will continue until the service providers recover their capability to reconnect their lost terrestrial networks. Up to 500 base stations have been reconnected via IPSTAR, with most of the deployments in the hardest hit Iwate and Miyagi prefectures. COPYRIGHT THAICOM PLC 2011 PROPRIETARY 6

Figure 2: IPSTAR recovers cellular networks in the aftermath of Japanese Tsunami In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, the service providers also used instant IPSTAR backhaul to provide mobile

Coupled with IPSTAR User Terminals (UT), Femtocells become the ideal platform to provide instantaneous cellular service in disaster and emergency situations. 2.

southern provinces, also resulting in landslides in several areas.

7 Figure 2: IPSTAR recovers cellular networks in the aftermath of Japanese Tsunami In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, the service providers also used instant IPSTAR backhaul to provide mobile phone and internet services in emergency shelters, schools, and community centers. Mobile operators SBM and KDDI used Femtocells to provide indoor mobile coverage in designated locations. Coupled with IPSTAR User Terminals (UT), Femtocells become the ideal platform to provide instantaneous cellular service in disaster and emergency situations Femtocell Service for Flood Hit Areas of Southern Thailand A tropical depression dumped unusually heavy rains in Southern Thailand in early November of 2010 that triggered flooding in 11 out of 14 southern provinces, also resulting in landslides in several areas. Hat Yai, the largest city in southern Thailand bore the brunt of the floods with 80 percent of urban areas and 30,000 households affected, and 10,000 residents stranded in their homes. The people were trapped in their flooded homes, with tap water, electricity and land-line telephones cut off. Mobile phone systems were also severely affected, with 400 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), almost 50% of AIS capacity in Southern Thailand, rendered inoperable. In the aftermath of the floods, several provinces such as Surat Thani were affected by landslides which also damaged the mobile service infrastructure there. COPYRIGHT THAICOM PLC 2011 PROPRIETARY 7

IPSTAR joined forces with mobile operator AIS to provide emergency mobile phone service in the disaster hit areas using MVV (Mobile VSAT Vehicle) equipped with Femtocell Access Point (AP).

It supports a small number of concurrent voice calls and was originally intended for indoor use in areas with bad network coverage.

8 IPSTAR joined forces with mobile operator AIS to provide emergency mobile phone service in the disaster hit areas using MVV (Mobile VSAT Vehicle) equipped with Femtocell Access Point (AP). A Femtocell AP is a small cellular base station which works on plug and play basis. It supports a small number of concurrent voice calls and was originally intended for indoor use in areas with bad network coverage. However, because of its ease of use and fast deployment capability, it has been adapted for use with the IPSTAR platform to provide mobile phone coverage in remote areas or disaster zones. Figure 3: IPSTAR MVV deployment in Southern Thailand Equipped with a Femtocell, the MVV became a moving mobile base station which served flood hit areas in Hat Yai city during 4-8 November 2010 and landslide hit areas in Pakmark sub-district of Surat Thani during November The MVV was also equipped with a Wi-Fi AP and a VOIP phone. All equipments were powered with electricity generated by a dynamo connected to the running MVV engine. Residents having mobile phone handsets could make calls immediately after getting coverage; whereas people without handsets could make use of the VOIP phone. Several people with laptops in the business district of Hat Yai also made use of the Wi-Fi to access the Internet. The Femtocell service is estimated to have benefited hundreds of people in Hat Yai and Surat Thani. In Pakmark, Surat Thani, the MVV was stationed at a local school and security forces deployed for rescue operations also made use of the communication facilities. The MVV was moved from place-toplace according to coverage needs and its deployment was stopped after coverage was restored through BTS towers. COPYRIGHT THAICOM PLC 2011 PROPRIETARY 8

2.3. Broadband Service for Sichuan Earthquake Victims and Rescuers The May 2008 earthquake that hit Sichuan in the western part of China led to a great loss of lives.

The devastating 8-magnitude earthquake destroyed switching centers, mobile stations, underground cables, fiber optic networks and electrical poles contributing to at least more than a billion USD in

9 2.3. Broadband Service for Sichuan Earthquake Victims and Rescuers The May 2008 earthquake that hit Sichuan in the western part of China led to a great loss of lives. Aside from this devastation brought by the catastrophic event, the earthquake also damaged properties worth billions in the province, including telecommunication infrastructure. The devastating 8-magnitude earthquake destroyed switching centers, mobile stations, underground cables, fiber optic networks and electrical poles contributing to at least more than a billion USD in telecommunication damages. The earthquake cut the telecommunication link of Sichuan, resulting in the delay of rescue efforts, while neighboring provinces experienced network congestion after the disaster because of the drastic increase in system traffic. Within hours after the tragic event, IPSTAR User Terminals were deployed in heavily affected areas to provide broadband Internet, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and Satellite News Gathering (SNG) services. IPSTAR was used to assist relief mission teams on their search and rescue operations, and to keep them updated on the extent of damage caused by the earthquake. It also helped reunite families, reconnect communities, and let the world witness the devastation of the disaster as well as the many acts of heroism. For many disaster survivors and first responders, IPSTAR served as the only source of communications in the hours, days, and weeks following the event providing connectivity that terrestrial networks could no longer sustain after the Sichuan earthquake. Figure 4: IPSTAR helps rescue workers and locals after Sichuan Earthquake COPYRIGHT THAICOM PLC 2011 PROPRIETARY 9

10 2.4. Disaster Preparedness for New Zealand Fire Service One of the problems that first responders face in emergency situations when they reach their deployment site is that of communication. Even though telecom facilities are among the most crucial requirements for proper co-ordination of their activities, emergency responders cannot have any idea where they will be deployed next or what type of communication facilities will be available in that area. Emergency service providers have generally used hand-held radio devices in the past, but it has its own limitations because of low range and background noise. Mobile phone systems have been a somewhat helpful means; however, it has been observed that when a disaster situation occurs, the number of mobile phone calls in that area increases significantly which results in reduced possibility of emergency responders making successful calls. What is required is a dedicated channel of communications at any time and from any place which a satellite system like IPSTAR can easily provide. The New Zealand Fire Service were in need of Internet access in several of their fire trucks, which would provide service as well as access to an online technical database for the emergency response crew. Access to such technical database can provide information about specific chemical agents and the amount of agents to be used, which can be decisive in handling fires of big scale. The vehicles also required several telephone sets which could be used over cellular service wherever available, or over a VoIP (Voice over IP) service via Internet. Each command vehicle of the Fire Service is equipped with a PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) camera mounted on a extendible pneumatic mast, the images and videos from which needed to be uploaded to a secure server. Any senior personnel of the Service would then be able to access the server to view the live feeds from the command vehicle and be a part of the decision making or advisory process in real-time. The capability to push live video in good resolution requires high bandwidth capability. The IPSTAR satellite platform was used to provide Internet, , and VoIP services on 17 vehicles of the New Zealand Fire Service. The high speed bandwidth capacity of IPSTAR was also ideal to satisfy the requirement to transmit real-time high resolution video. IPSTAR has coverage over all of New Zealand which has enabled the Fire Service to get a nationwide communication capability from any location at all times from their vehicles. An antenna system capable of pointing to the IPSTAR satellite at the push of a button was deployed, allowing the delivery of 2-way high speed communication service from IPSTAR to mobile vehicles anywhere, while stationary. COPYRIGHT THAICOM PLC 2011 PROPRIETARY 10

Figure 5: IPSTAR helps prepare NZ Fire Service to face disaster situations When a devastating earthquake hit Christchurch, the second largest city in New Zealand, on 22nd February 2011, the vehicles

11 Figure 5: IPSTAR helps prepare NZ Fire Service to face disaster situations When a devastating earthquake hit Christchurch, the second largest city in New Zealand, on 22nd February 2011, the vehicles could be deployed effectively within a few hours. Rescue teams were able to relay and co-ordinate information using high speed access to Internet, and other related services. The IPSTAR satellite system was used to access on-line mapping and other web-based services including VOIP telephony. COPYRIGHT THAICOM PLC 2011 PROPRIETARY 11

12 3. Recommendations From the aforementioned experiences gathered from all parts of the Asia Pacific it is evident that the preparedness of communication infrastructure is necessary to face unseen future events. This requires not only equipment in place, but also adequate policies, plans, the setting up of emergency response teams and the necessary earmarking of funds. The designated emergency response teams need to have an action plan in place, with regular field deployment practice, and the periodic maintenance and upgrading of equipments. Most of all, a strong will is required from all players which can be effected by disasters for the necessary preparation, practice and action. Effective roles must be played by the following bodies in this regard: 3.1 Governments and Policy Making Agencies The government is the body that has the highest responsibility when any disaster event occurs. Government needs to maintain law and order, and the related government agencies need to deploy rescue and medical aid teams, in coordination with agencies such as the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). The security forces, such as police and army personnel deployed in disaster zones need immediate access to communications to organize their rescue efforts and to keep in contact with their headquarters. Adequate policies and action plans need to be formulated by government on how to deal with disaster situations. Government can also involve agencies like the UN, Red Cross, and other national and international NGO s in the policy making as well as field deployment process. Since telecommunication infrastructure is one of the vital parts of the rescue effort, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission (NBTC) or the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) can be involved in the policy making process and in the setting up of dedicated funds. The policies formulated by government must also include provisions for allocation of telecom infrastructure for disaster preparedness in all levels of society. 3.2 Telecom Service Providers Telecom Service Providers have been and will remain the primary users of satellite service for emergency communication deployments. As owners of most of the terrestrial communication infrastructure, their assets such as cellular base stations, and fiber optics and microwave links, are at the highest risk when a big scale disaster occurs. In spite of the scale and nature of any disasters telecom service providers need to retain their subscribers confidence and loyalty by organizing immediate recovery of their network coverage. Civil societies have also recently been active in requesting Telcos to allocate more resources for disaster recovery efforts. COPYRIGHT THAICOM PLC 2011 PROPRIETARY 12

13 At the same time, policies must be formed to keep the most vital communication links connected via backup satellite links at all times, in case of untimely failure of terrestrial infrastructure. IPSTAR has flexible bandwidth-sharing facilities and ground equipments of various capacities to cater to the different backhaul needs to telcos for both backup and recovery. 3.3 Enterprises/ Financial Institutions Large enterprises and financial institutions such as banks are also heavily affected by the breakdown of communications during major disaster events. These organizations depend heavily on secure and continuous modes of communications between their headquarters and all the branches and offices. Most of these vital communications are handled by terrestrial telecom links, which are highly vulnerable when disasters strike. It is recommended that the most vital communication channels have backup satellite links as well, which can still continue functioning even in the face of severe disasters. COPYRIGHT THAICOM PLC 2011 PROPRIETARY 13

Ferdinand Kayser President and CEO, SES ASTRA S.A. 29th April French Senate Civil Protection

Ferdinand Kayser President and CEO, SES ASTRA S.A. 29th April French Senate Civil Protection SES GLOBAL Group Structure 100.0% 100.0% North America Europe 28.7% 19.9% Latin America 75.0% 34.1% Nordic Area