Challenges
- Communicating between different individuals operating in the field
- Cross-territory communication was impossible
- No emergency communication means with the group’s central operations
Poor communication was a critical cause for concern, given the security threats to the area. Being the more dangerous region of Nigeria, the North East sees some civilian targetted attacks occur, such as kidnap for ransom and targetted attacks, although more common incidents include militant attacks, armed clashes and government security/ militant conflict. Being able to communicate reliably in this situation is critical.
The Solution
Sicuro Technology provided the humanitarian organization with a satellite-based push to talk solution. Based on a walkie-talkie type system, the satellite-based handsets provide effective communication means between teams and field locations within a 300,000km sq area, using Iridium’s global satellite network.
The Results
- The communications system is simple for the humanitarian team to operate and highly cost-effective, particularly for the large area the team works in.
- It has created a reliable communication channel for the organization, ultimately increasing their safety and duty of care to employees.
- The satellite system has removed the need to rely on the local infrastructure, which can sometimes be unstable.
- Teams are now connected on a daily basis and have peace of mind for those emergency security situations.
"It is an extremely useful, cost effective and reliable service."
Security Manager, Humanitarian Organization
