TRA says sector ready to manage crises

The UAE's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has reiterated that the sector is capable of proactively responding to crises and emergencies.

This came during a workshop aimed to enhance the readiness of licensed telecom firms in the country and develop the skills of the staff in responding to crises and disasters.

The workshop was part of the ongoing campaign of the Technology Development Affairs Department in partnership with the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NECDMA) to ensure that the telecom sector is capable of providing services and ensuring its staff is skilled to face disasters by raising their level of awareness to prepare for such occurrences.

The workshop was attended by staff from Etisalat, du, Thuraya, Yahsat and Nedaa as well as TRA employees. The workshop was aimed at providing comprehensive awareness among the staff and identifying the appropriate approach when dealing with emergencies, crises and disasters, as well as giving due importance to the role of the telecom sector as the ‘major artery’ for all other sectors during such situation.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri, Director-General, TRA said, "The telecom sector is a vital sector to achieve the country’s sustainable development goals. We would like to ensure that the sector continues to play its role in providing services with integrity and efficiency with regard to technical and human skills in emergency response situations. We also hope to raise awareness in the community about the proper behaviour and safe responses in emergency situations. This is in line with the TRA’s strategic goal to regulate the sector and enforce a framework that stimulates competition and elevates the level of quality of telecom services in the country."

He added, "The work on the continuity of business in light of a disaster is part of the culture of sustainability that we seek to consolidate during the next phase in the ICT sector. What the workshop aims at mainly is a high level of acquired skills and co-ordination between the various relevant parties, whether in the public sector or among the providers of these services."

The workshop also focussed on the importance of ensuring that staff are technically qualified and experienced in using advanced technologies.

TRA had previously organised various workshops and training sessions that focussed on best practices in managing emergencies and disasters, following the national emergency telecommunications plan and the readiness of licensed firms to face unexpected environmental events.

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