Communications Resilience
What is Communications Resilience? Out here on the edge of the world we worry about things like earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis and losing communication across the entire country.
“It is impossible to control natural disasters. However, to lose all communication New Zealand would need to suffer a magnitude 8 earthquake along the entire length of the Alpine Fault, a geological fault that runs almost the entire length of the South Island, and the simultaneous eruption of the major volcanoes in the North Island. Even a disaster of that scale may not wipe out communication capability across the entire country.
A complete Alpine Fault rupture would be disruptive in the South Island, and the resultant Tsunami, if any, would impact the coastal areas of both islands. Major volcanoes erupting would cause disruptions in their immediate vicinity, but widespread ash fall can still be managed to a certain extent. So, in short, losing all communication capability is highly unlikely.”
Interview
In this interview with Mahesh Ayyagari, MBCI we discuss Communications Resilience. Mahesh suggests businesses should have both fixed and mobile connections that can be used in emergencies.
This is because fixed and mobile exchanges are generally separate, and to some extent, act as a back up mode of communication to one another.
“Mahesh would encourage businesses looking to improve their communication resilience to maintain ‘emergency phones’ from alternate providers. And also have both fixed and mobile connections that can be used in emergencies. Communication issues could impact one or all operators. However, fixed and mobile exchanges are generally separate, and to some extent, act as a back up mode of communication to one another. Businesses should also look at the preparedness of their provider to handle any emergency situations.
A more expensive alternative would be satellite phones, which are especially helpful when natural disasters may render terrestrial technologies (fixed and mobile) inoperable.”
As a lot of companies move away from the fixed connection model towards VOIP solutions – they are losing the fixed line redundancy. I believe this is a risk that is not properly understood.
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