The ETC is a global network that provides shared communications services in humanitarian emergencies. It typically provides services like voice and data connectivity, internet access, and radio networks. The ETC works with organizations and satellite operators through the Crisis Connectivity Charter to set up coordinated responses during disasters. When activated, the Charter facilitates information sharing and the deployment of satellite-based connectivity solutions to support humanitarian efforts.

1. EMERGENCY
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
CLUSTER
Lionel Marre - Head of IT & Electricity, WFP Ethiopia

2. w w w . E T C l u s t e r . o r g
Global Network
The ETC is a global network of organisations
that work together to provide
shared communications services
in humanitarian emergencies.

3. w w w . E T C l u s t e r . o r g
Vital Communications
Services typically provided by the ETC in emergencies include:

4. Response
Solution
Photo: WFP

5. w w w . E T C l u s t e r . o r g
A Changing World
New
Operating
Environment
New
Humanitarian
Challenges
Rapid
Technology
Innovation
Photos: WFP/ Mariko Hall, Haidar Baqir, Ozdzan Hadziemin, Allen Rooke, Sylvain Tiako

6. w w w . E T C l u s t e r . o r g
Larger Scope
Government
Response Community
Photos: WFP/ Mariko Hall,; Telecoms Sans Frontieres
Affected Populations

7. w w w . E T C l u s t e r . o r g
ETC & WFP
• WFP is global lead of the ETC,
responsible for:
- Building strong relationships with the
partner network
- Ensuring a predictable and effective
inter-agency response
- Overall coordination of ICT activities in
emergencies where the cluster is
responding
- Coordinating ETC 2020 efforts, in close
collaboration with the partnership
network.

8. w w w . E T C l u s t e r . o r g
Crisis Connectivity Charter
Goals of the Charter:
• Information sharing - allowing satellite operators to assist the ETC in
supporting humanitarian responders, governments & affected communities
in an efficient manner
• An industry-led mechanism - can be triggered by the ETC to invoke a
coherent, predictable, scalable & principled end-to-end satellite-based
solution
• Training & capacity building - ensuring the humanitarian community, local
experts, governments, & response communities know how to use the
equipment

9. w w w . E T C l u s t e r . o r g
Implementation Status
• 9 Satellites companies signed the
Charter
• Associations (ESOA and GVF) representing
the Crisis Connectivity Charter signatories
in Global ETC Calls
• First training session on the various
solutions held in Dubai in May 2016
• Clear Points of Contact for each satellite
operator to facilitate the coordination of
solutions

10. w w w . E T C l u s t e r . o r g
Charter Activation
Step 1
• ETC triggers Charter by calling for a conference call of all Charter Signatories
• Conference call to take place within 12 hours
• ETC informs Charter Signatories of context & requirements
• Charter signatories commit to reaching an accord on which pre-planned
response(s) to recommend to the ETC
• If no pre-planned response has been identified, then Step 2 will be activated
Step 2
• Charter Signatories investigate available resources & agree on most suitable
response(s)
• Charter Signatories hold second conference call with the ETC within 48 hours
of the triggering the Charter & recommend Plan of Action

11. www.ETCluster.org
Global.ETC@wfp.org