Wireless Response to South Asian Earthquake

In response to the devastating earthquake and corresponding tsunamis in South Asia, the Wireless Communications Association International (WCA) announced organizational efforts within the wireless broadband industry leading to a meeting on Jan. 13 during WCA's annual International Symposium and Business Expo in San Jose, California.

The Jan. 13 meeting will foster industry efforts on immediate disaster relief, both monetary and in vitally needed equipment for First Responders. Participants also will help plan for longer-term infrastructure needs especially suited to the emerging capabilities of wireless broadband.

The Hon. Devinda Subasinghe, Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the United States, commented on WCA's goal "The Embassy of Sri Lanka looks forward to working with WCA and its member companies on this critical initiative, which will support relief efforts and have a long-term impact on rehabilitation of the areas devastated by this natural disaster. The government of Sri Lanka will be examining the capabilities of wireless companies, both with gratitude and with understanding of our long-term infrastructure needs."

WCA's meeting will leverage WCA members' expertise into short-term and long-term relief. Short-term, industry leaders will organize a task force to raise money and to coordinate equipment donations for effective emergency deployment. Also, the task force will plan longer-term infrastructure advisory services for the region, building upon ongoing work within WCA's Wireless Broadband Public Safety Task Force. It convenes bi-weekly conference calls, and is preparing a "Best Practices" guide helping First Responders increase their capabilities for challenges ranging from emergency warnings to critical post-event communications.

"Fast-response is exactly what both the public and its leaders expect from the wireless broadband industry," commented WCA President Andrew Kreig. "This relief effort after the tragedy in South Asia is a logical outgrowth of the industry's post-9/11 responses. Industry members were able then promptly to provide vital help for New York City and Washington, DC. Since then, an especially strong industry priority has been to foster advanced technologies that can help First Responders and underserved communities worldwide."

Posted to the site on 31st December 2004