To keep emergency telecommunication services in full operation in the flood-hit areas of Sylhet and Sunamganj, Netrokona and North Bengal, Bangabandhu Satellite-1 is being used to continue communications.
As per the direction of the post and telecommunication minister, Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited has provided VSAT equipment to ensure uninterrupted telecommunication services including Internet.
A total of 12 VSAT equipment were handed over to the Bangladesh Army on Saturday to ensure telecommunication services in the flooded areas of Sylhet and Sunamganj districts. Establishing a VSAT hub in Netrokona and North Bengal is continuing.
Preparations are underway to hand over 23 sets of VSAT equipment to the Deputy Commissioner's Office of Sylhet Division. As a result, emergency telecommunication services will be set up in 23 more flood-hit areas.
Bangladesh Satellite Company is also able to provide more VSAT equipment as per the requirements of the military and civilian administrations deployed in the flood affected areas, through which emergency telecommunication services can be set up in more flood affected areas.
Telecom operators will also be able to use the satellite to activate their mobile phone network as per their requirement.
BSCL has already set up a monitoring cell to ensure uninterrupted telecommunication services during disasters through VSAT, which will ensure uninterrupted service by keeping in constant touch with the field administration. Every effort has been made to provide telecommunication services in flood prone areas under special arrangements.
Meanwhile, as per direction of the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications mobile operators introduce toll free numbers for the people of flood affected areas.
Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) Chairman Shahjahan Mahmud said, “This is the first time that Bangabandhu Satellite-1 is going to provide emergency telecommunication services during the disaster, which is one of the main objectives of this satellite. The satellite is providing satellite services in various services including television and banking.”
“Bangladesh Satellite Company is able to provide more VSAT equipment as per the requirement of military and civil administrations deployed in flood areas, through which emergency telecommunication services can be set up in the flood affected areas. BS-1 can also be used to revive the mobile network as per the requirements of mobile companies,” added Shahjahan Mahmud.
