| The Covid-19 crisis has demonstrated the essential role of connectivity worldwide and the importance of having a robust, resilient and secure telecommunication/ICT in place for coordination mechanisms as well as for social welfare and for the global economy. Based on the principal recommendations outlined in the ITU Guidelines for national emergency telecommunication plans, this document presents a set of proposals for effective telecommunications contingency planning and response for pandemics. A contingency plan helps to establish operational procedures in relation to the use of telecommunications/ICT resources and capacity in response to a particular hazard. |
Unlike other disasters that may cause severe devastation to telecommunications/ICT infrastructure, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused an increase in data traffic on both wired and wireless networks, including due to higher online communications demand during times of confinement. Examples include students taking classes online, employees working remotely from home, and people communicating via the Internet and taking advantage of online entertainment services.
These Guidelines address the need to ensure telecommunications/ICT service delivery and business continuity in the specific context of a pandemic such as Covid-19. These outline a set of actions and recommendations that countries can take to prepare for, anticipate and be ready to promptly respond to future health related emergencies.
