VNL, BSNL launch 'Relief 123' service for disaster management in India

Domestic telecom equipment provider Vihaan Networks Limited (VNL) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to launch "Relief 123" service to provide disaster management in India.

The "Relief 123" service is an integrated disaster response solution for first responders and public safety agencies. The solution is designed and manufactured by VNL and the backhaul connectivity will be provided by BSNL.

"Given that our country is prone to natural disasters, the availability and quick deployment of comprehensive communications solutions will help disaster management agencies mount faster and more reliable search and rescue operations," said Anupam Shrivastava, Chairman and Managing Director, BSNL at the ongoing 'India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2017' here.

The comprehensive communication solution will bring BSNL and disaster management agencies -- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) on one platform for better coordination.

"On the very first day of the Mobile Congress, a Latin American company connected with us for the solution. The technology was tested in India and is 100 per cent successful," Rajiv Mehrotra, Founder Chairman, VNL, told IANS.

The "Relief 123" is based on "ResQMobil", an integrated portable communication solution which packs in the required hardware into a portable transportable trailer-on-wheels.

The service will restore connectivity at disaster sites, help locate the affected people and integrate information across platforms for quick relief.

The model can also be scaled for Saarc countries, wherein BSNL would have roaming agreements with local mobile service operators.

Both companies have partnered in the past for the roll out of voice and data connectivity in the worst Left-wing extremism-affected areas of the country.