The ability to communicate and access information is critical in times of disaster for decision-making and rapid response, often determining how many lives can be saved and how fast countries can recover from disasters. At the same time, ICT infrastructure is often damaged when disasters strike, resulting in the disruption or even destruction of communication networks, and communication outages, which hinder relief efforts. As the world struggles to achieve climate goals, it is witnessing an increased number of climate-related disasters leading to the loss of lives and livelihoods. Identifying and minimizing disruptions to vital information and communication flows is a critical climate adaptation step that will help save lives.
The Disaster Connectivity Map (DCM) provides critical, near real-time information on communication network connectivity levels to governments, telecommunication operators, and first responders, to help identify connectivity outages and facilitate earlier, faster, and more targeted allocation of resources to repair communication networks and restore connectivity.
Disaster Connectivity Map
Launched in 2020, DCM has been activated in more than 80 countries/disasters (as of January 2026) to detect communications infrastructure outages in real time. It has been used extensively by first responders, including from other UN agencies, as well as by governments.
The DCM serves the world's most vulnerable populations, in particular those hit by disasters and affected by climate change. Through the information that it provides on the availability and gaps on (Internet and mobile) connectivity, it will help re-establish connectivity to allow governments and humanitarian organisations coordinate relief efforts following disasters. It will also guide telecom operators as it will show them where infrastructure has been damaged and where repairs on their networks are necessary. With the effects of climate change accelerating, extreme weather events are expected to increase further. DCM is a tool to help countries better adapt to climate change.
What information is displayed on Disaster Connectivity Map?
The Information displayed in DCM is gathered from different sources. Where data is available, network coverage and performance information will be dynamically updated in DCM using near real-time data. The Disaster Connectivity Map platform is hosted by ITU and developed as part of the ITU Broadband Maps and ICT mapping.
The DCM displays the following types of information:
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Network infrastructure: physical features such as terrestrial fibre optic links, microwave network links, submarine cables, mobile cell sites
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Mobile network coverage: projected and/or actual mobile network coverage
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Connectivity performance: metrics such as ping, latency, throughput (download/upload)
Download the Speedchecker Android App to support ITU Disaster Connectivity Map
| Your network test results help improve disaster preparedness.
This special version of the Speedchecker Android app contains a referral code that automatically sends your network measurements to the ITU DCM database (note that the generic Speedchecker app on Google Play does not include this code).
By downloading this special version of the Speedchecker Android app, your measurements are automatically linked to the ITU DCM database, allowing us to identify areas with limited coverage and improve emergency communication.
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Available only on Android
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Make sure GPS is on and the app is allowed to access location
- In the Speedchecker app, in Setting, turn “Share your test data” and “Privacy consent” ON
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You can also run a drive test while on the move, for example, set measurements to send automatically every 30 minutes.
Every test you run helps us build a safer, more connected world. |
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