TSF provides satellite connectivity despite impact of COVID-19

In 2021, the tireless work of Inmarsat-sponsored Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF) continued regardless of the ongoing difficulties related to COVID-19.

In the 12 month-period, more than 600,000 people around the world were supported by the emergency telecoms agency, which is often the first on the ground when disaster strikes. Of this number some 443,000 people were assisted by TSF during humanitarian crises, of which 97% said that its assistance had a positive impact on their lives.

As well as providing access to critical satellite communications in the aftermath of natural disasters, TSF also works with disaster prone regions to provide training and emergency telecommunications kits; provides access to information screens to support migrants and refugees; enables students to access computers and training in under-served communities.

Jean-François Cazenave, President of TSF comments: “2021 was not just one year more. It was the year when thousands of people lost at best their homes and their environment, and at worst, sadly, loved ones in the floods in Western Europe or the earthquake in Haiti. The year in which people from Latin America, Southern and Sub-Saharan Africa, and Central Asia chose to risk their lives for their families, by embarking on a dangerous and difficult migratory journey. It was a year in which thousands of families struggled for a decent life, access to medical care or the reconstruction of their homes in Syria or Lebanon.

“While we can be proud of this shared achievement, we must also continue our commitment at the heart of humanitarian crises to ensure that connectivity and access to information help those who have lost everything, or have nothing left to lose, regain hope."

“While we can be proud of this shared achievement, we must also continue our commitment at the heart of humanitarian crises to ensure that connectivity and access to information help those who have lost everything, or have nothing left to lose, regain hope."
Jean-François Cazenave, President of TSF

Enduring TSF partner

Inmarsat has been a proud partner to TSF since 2000 and supports the agency with free airtime, financial aid and pro bono legal services. Since its creation, TSF has responded to over 140 crises in more than 70 countries providing communication means to over 20 million people and nearly 1,000 NGOs.

Our Global Xpress high-speed broadband network is deployed in times of disaster to provide aid organisations and those displaced with access to much needed connectivity. In addition our IsatPhone 2 satellite phones are used for TSF’s calling operations to provide those affected by disaster a lifeline to the outside world and to contact families to let them know they are safe.

Alison Horrocks, Inmarsat’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, said: ‘It is a great honour to have been a partner for TSF for over 20 years. We know more than anyone, how important communication is during a crisis, so to be able to support TSF in their work to improve the lives of others when they need it the most – makes Inmarsat feel incredibly proud.”

Devastating German floods

In July 2021, torrential rains caused the worst flooding in decades in several regions of Western Germany, with more than 180 deaths and 1,000s forced to leave their homes. With internet and telephone lines down, hampering rescue operations, TSF stepped in to establish satellite connectivity in two of the highest priority areas.

In Ahrweiler, Global Xpress connections were established and six IsatPhone 2 satellite phones provided for the local firefighters and emergency responders rescuing those trapped by floods. In Euskirchen, the Red Cross requested a satellite broadband connection in their local office to support emergency operations and speed up their work to contact victims, search for missing people and coordinate their response.

South-West Haiti earthquake

When a powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti on 14 August 2021, the consequences were devastating. There were 2,200 casualties, 12,000 injured and more than 50,000 homes destroyed. TSF immediately deployed to set up a Global Xpress satellite connection in Les Cayes in the main coordination hub for the humanitarian agencies and serving all relief organisations on the ground.

TSF also supported the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) operations and installed a second broadband connection for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Les Cayes – essential to ensure the supply of medical equipment to treat patients.

In addition, TSF set up Wi-Fi operations for isolated communities to enable access to internet connectivity for a few hours a day in the village of Corail Henry and Sucrerie Henry where the terrestrial network was out of action.