Attachments
The Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) was activated in Ukraine on 3 March 2022 following the escalation of armed conflict between Ukraine and the Russian Federation. ETC SitReps are distributed every month.
Highlights
• A new VHF frequency license application was submitted to the national government authorities on 15 March to expand the VHF radio network in newly accessible locations in eastern Ukraine. Enhanced security communications services in these new areas are critical.
• On 6 March, the VHF radio system equipment was installed in the newly accessible location of Kramatorsk. The system will be operational once the new VHF license is received.
• The ETC conducted a survey from 22 to 30 March with UN agencies to identify their radio programming needs. The survey identified the need to programme or re-programme 51 VHF mobile radios and 62 VHF handheld radios.
Overview
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reports that 5.4 million people are internally displaced in Ukraine due to the conflict as of 23 January 2023, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates the total number of Ukrainian refugees recorded across Europe at over 8.2 million as of 28 March 2023.
Impact on telecommunications
The continued attacks on national infrastructure across Ukraine have led to significant damage to national telecommunications infrastructure, resulting in severe communications blackouts across the country. Disruption to electrical power supplies supporting telecommunications equipment impacts on ETC services.
Several reports have been received of severe disruptions to satellite telephony services in areas close to the frontlines. The ETC is exploring solutions to provide responders deploying on frontline missions with services and equipment.