ITU’s Emergency Telecommunications Roster assists Nicaragua in restoring connectivity after hurricane

Members of International Telecommunication Union’s Emergency Telecommunications Roster (ETR) helped restore connectivity in Nicaragua after a powerful tropical hurricane knocked out electricity and telecommunications service.

In early November 2022, a powerful tropical hurricane knocked out electricity and telecommunications services for millions of subscribers in Nicaragua. Several members of the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU’s) Emergency Telecommunications Roster (ETR) were deployed to the country to help restore connectivity. The mission included the delivery of satellite phones and broadband global area network terminals, and the provision of training for local teams to use the equipment. The team also made recommendations to the local authorities on issues such as the implementation of an early warning system and the use of cell broadcasting technology. 

ITU has been supporting its member states in responding to telecommunications emergencies and disasters, including through supporting the development and implementation of National Emergency Telecommunication Plans (NETP) in emergencies.