• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • NEWS:
  • SatNews
  • SatMagazine
  • MilSatMagazine
  • SmallSat News
  • |     EVENTS:
  • SmallSat Symposium
  • Satellite Innovation
  • MilSat Symposium
  • SmallSat Europe

SatNews

Satellite Industry Intelligence Since 1983

Subscribe
  • LATEST
  • SatNews Events
  • Magazines
  • Calendar
  • Subscribe
  • Missions & Constellations
    • Exploration & Science Missions
    • In-Orbit Servicing & Orbital Operations
    • LEO Constellations
    • Mission Autonomy & Onboard Systems
    • Mission Deployments & Manifests
    • Navigation & PNT
    • SmallSat
    • Spacecraft & Payload Technology
    View All in Missions & Constellations →
    Sovereign Milestone: OQ Technology Achieves Europe’s First Drone Video Transmission via 3GPP NTN LEO SatelliteSovereign Milestone: OQ Technology Achieves Europe’s First Drone Video Transmission via 3GPP NTN LEO Satellite
    Hybrid Cabin Architecture: Mapping the Next Generation of In-Flight Connectivity (IFC)Hybrid Cabin Architecture: Mapping the Next Generation of In-Flight Connectivity (IFC)
    Fleet-Wide Hybrid Networks: Marlink Integrates Starlink Across 80+ Oldendorff Carriers VesselsFleet-Wide Hybrid Networks: Marlink Integrates Starlink Across 80+ Oldendorff Carriers Vessels
    Navigating Contested Battlespaces: Military GPS Receiver Market Approaches $3 Billion Amid Electronic Warfare SurgeNavigating Contested Battlespaces: Military GPS Receiver Market Approaches $3 Billion Amid Electronic Warfare Surge
  • Business
    • Contracts & Commercial Deals
    • Earnings & Financial Reporting
    • Events & Conferences
    • Funding & Venture Capital
    • Market Forecasts
    • Mergers & Acquisitions
    • Personnel Moves & Appointments
    View All in Business & Finance →
    New Lobbying Force: Top NGSO Operators Unveil “SpaceConnect Association” in WashingtonNew Lobbying Force: Top NGSO Operators Unveil “SpaceConnect Association” in Washington
    Ghost Viewers trigger secondary ripple effect on Satellite Communications (SatCom)Ghost Viewers trigger secondary ripple effect on Satellite Communications (SatCom)
    Lightpath expands fiber footprint as demand for AI-ready connectivity infrastructure acceleratesLightpath expands fiber footprint as demand for AI-ready connectivity infrastructure accelerates
    Hybrid Expansion: SES Launches Next-Gen Set-Top Boxes and Multi-Region Channel Pack for ASTRA TV in SpainHybrid Expansion: SES Launches Next-Gen Set-Top Boxes and Multi-Region Channel Pack for ASTRA TV in Spain
  • Defense
    • Counterspace & ASAT
    • Defense Budgets & Procurement
    • ISR & Reconnaissance
    • MILSATCOM
    • Missile Warning & Defense
    • National Security Programs
    • Space Domain Awareness
    View All in Military & Defense →
    Digital Twins for Space Command: Sedaro Tapped by Space Force to Build Federated Engineering PlatformDigital Twins for Space Command: Sedaro Tapped by Space Force to Build Federated Engineering Platform
    The Strategic Redistribution of Iranian Aerospace CapabilityThe Strategic Redistribution of Iranian Aerospace Capability
    Preparing for Day One: DARPA Solicits Tech to Rebuild Destroyed Satellite Fleets Within HoursPreparing for Day One: DARPA Solicits Tech to Rebuild Destroyed Satellite Fleets Within Hours
    Sovereign Space Expansion: Portugal Procures Dual ICEYE Radar Satellites to Broaden Maritime SurveillanceSovereign Space Expansion: Portugal Procures Dual ICEYE Radar Satellites to Broaden Maritime Surveillance
  • Gov
    • Export Controls & Compliance
    • International Space Agreements
    • National Space Policy
    • Space Law & Treaties
    • Space Sustainability & Debris Policy
    • Space Traffic Management / Debris Removal
    View All in Government & Regulation →
    Who Has Authority to Intervene in a Space-Based Emergency?Who Has Authority to Intervene in a Space-Based Emergency?
    Staying in Their Lanes: SpaceX and Globalstar Join Forces to Defend Spectrum ExclusivityStaying in Their Lanes: SpaceX and Globalstar Join Forces to Defend Spectrum Exclusivity
    Orbital Paperwork War: China’s Spectrum Squatting Reserves 244,000 Satellite Slots to Combat SpaceX’s LEO MonopolyOrbital Paperwork War: China’s Spectrum Squatting Reserves 244,000 Satellite Slots to Combat SpaceX’s LEO Monopoly
    The Next Arena: Why the WRC-27 Summit in Shanghai is the New Space Tech FrontlineThe Next Arena: Why the WRC-27 Summit in Shanghai is the New Space Tech Frontline
  • Launch
    • Launch Providers
    • Launch Schedule & Calendars
    • Launch Sites & Infrastructure
    • Rocket Technology & Vehicles
    View All in Launch →
    Arianespace fights back – possibly!Arianespace fights back – possibly!
    Direct-to-Device Momentum: AST SpaceMobile Successfully Launches Giant Next-Gen BlueBird Satellites Atop SpaceX Falcon 9Direct-to-Device Momentum: AST SpaceMobile Successfully Launches Giant Next-Gen BlueBird Satellites Atop SpaceX Falcon 9
    SpaceX’s Secret ‘Starfall’ Capsule Wins FAA Approval for Pacific Reentry TestsSpaceX’s Secret ‘Starfall’ Capsule Wins FAA Approval for Pacific Reentry Tests
    Breaking the TRL Bottleneck: Space Phoenix Systems Debuts Cost-Effective Space Test-and-Return ServiceBreaking the TRL Bottleneck: Space Phoenix Systems Debuts Cost-Effective Space Test-and-Return Service
  • Software
    • Autonomous Ground Operations
    • Data Processing & AI/ML
    • Digital Twins & Modeling
    • Ground Segment & Teleports
    • Mission Planning & Simulation
    • Space Systems Software Engineering
    • Spectrum & Licensing
    View All in Software Automation & Ground Systems →
    Powering the Automated Floor: Intralogistics Operators Must Unify AGV Charging InfrastructurePowering the Automated Floor: Intralogistics Operators Must Unify AGV Charging Infrastructure
    Poland Sovereignty: GMV to Develop Core Ground Control Platform for CAMILA ConstellationPoland Sovereignty: GMV to Develop Core Ground Control Platform for CAMILA Constellation
    Software Over the Air: FatPipe Launches Acceleration Tool to Unclog Starlink and Amazon LEO LinksSoftware Over the Air: FatPipe Launches Acceleration Tool to Unclog Starlink and Amazon LEO Links
    Three LEO Operators Bet 2026 on a Supply Chain Built for 2027Three LEO Operators Bet 2026 on a Supply Chain Built for 2027
  • Services & Apps
    • Climate & Environmental Monitoring
    • Disaster Response & Security Mapping
    • Earth Observation & Imaging
    • Maritime & Aviation Satcom
    • Satellite Communications
    View All in Services & Applications →
    Fragmentation Over Funds: Why System Disconnection, Not Under-Investment, Is Maritime’s True Cyber ThreatFragmentation Over Funds: Why System Disconnection, Not Under-Investment, Is Maritime’s True Cyber Threat
    U.S. viewership of the 2026 World Cup via satellite television is strong and easily accessibleU.S. viewership of the 2026 World Cup via satellite television is strong and easily accessible
    Space-Based Underwriting: Liberty and ICEYE Launch Satellite-Powered Parametric Wildfire InsuranceSpace-Based Underwriting: Liberty and ICEYE Launch Satellite-Powered Parametric Wildfire Insurance
    Rapid Deployment: ZeroUSV Streamlines Uncrewed Vessel Portability for Defense and Survey MissionsRapid Deployment: ZeroUSV Streamlines Uncrewed Vessel Portability for Defense and Survey Missions

An Amazing 10-Year Journey for Télécoms Sans Frontières

June 5, 2008

TSF 10th Anniversary press conference COMMUNICATIONS — In just 10-years, Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF), the first humanitarian organization specializing in emergency telecommunications was born—and never looked back. The concept for Télécoms Sans Frontières was the result of a simple observation made after many years’ experience with general humanitarian charities, and by listening to those in need. During missions responding to the crisis in the Balkans and in Kurdistan during the first Gulf War, TSF’s founders realized that, in addition to medical and food aid, there was a critical need for reliable emergency telecommunications’ services. Conflicts and emergencies often led to massive civilian displacement and separated families. Sometimes the pain of lack of information regarding loved ones is far greater than physical or material suffering. And affected populations are often left with no communications infrastructure in place to find assistance and loved ones.

TSF Benefits Others During early missions, TSF’s founders were often approached by refugees with scraps of paper asking them, for example: “When you go home, please call my family at this number, tell them I’m alive, uncle has been killed but I’m alive and I’m here at this refugee camp.” To address the need for communications services, TSF bought its first satellite phone, and the organization was born. Since this time, on every mission TSF has offered a three-minute call to any affected family. After beginning these helpful services, TSF soon found that the international response teams that deploy to emergencies also had a critical need for reliable telecommunications services in the first days after an emergency. Thus the opening of its first Emergency Communication Centre for the humanitarian community using satellite communications in Mazâr-e charif, Northern Afghanistan.

TSF aids In Gizo after tsunami TSF then expanded its operations, improved its technology, and began to establish rapidly deployable emergency telecommunications centers to serve UN, government, and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) humanitarian workers, and developed a reputation for being among the first to arrive after disasters. “In emergencies there is an urgent need for food, water, shelter, and medical help. None of these things are possible without quick and reliable communications. Our role is to help other organizations to save lives and we also directly support victims,” said Monique Lanne-Petit, Founding Director of TSF.

Today TSF plays a key role in strengthening coordination and communication by deploying telecommunications centers within 24 hours of an emergency. These centers offer broadband Internet access, voice communications, fax lines and all the IT equipment needed for a field office. To do its work TSF uses highly portable and light satellite terminals deployable within minutes with a worldwide coverage, and teams in TSF’s three regional bases are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In honor of this 10th anniversary, and to accomodate a large turnout, TSF’s 10th anniversary event took place at the French National Football Team training centre in Clairefontaine on June 29th in the presence of its corporate and institutional partners. The event included a demonstration of the communications equipment used in a typical TSF deployment and an exhibition of photos, testimonials and more of TSF’s 10 years. The IT Cup, the charity football tournament for IT & Telecom companies, also took place on June 29th. Each team pays an entry fee depending on their company’s turn over and funds raised are then donated to a charity putting new technologies at the heart of its project. For the third consecutive year, TSF has been chosen as beneficiary. The 2006 and 2007 editions funded Community Communication Centres in Niger and Nicaragua.

Forty-two teams participated this year and the funds collected will be used towards a project to support four clinics working with Burmese refugees at the border between Burma and Thailand. Since 1998, TSF has deployed to over 50 countries on all of the five continents to the benefit of over 500 NGOs and UN agencies and millions of victims.
TSF helps in Java after earthquake This amazing organization over the last 10 years has been deployed 350 days per year, on average, with the help of three deployment bases, in France, Nicaragua and Thailand. As an international recognition of the importance of telecommunications in emergency situations TSF became the Telecom Partner of the European Commission’s Aid Department (ECHO) in 2002 and led its first mission under European mandate in Iraq the following year from April to October.
In October 2006, TSF signed the first worldwide partnership between a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) and the United Nations agencies OCHA and UNICEF, and also became First Responder of the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster. Télécoms Sans Frontières also extended its appreciation to its partners; Inmarsat, the Vodafone Group Foundation, the United Nations Foundation, Eutelsat, AT&T, Cable & Wireless, Vizada, the IT Cup and the Regional Council of Aquitaine.

While they may be large corporations, they also believed in a group of volunteers and helped them continue their humanitarian work and create a professional organization that is the leading non-governmental organization specializing in emergency telecommunications. Yet, they recognize the fact that there is still much to be done, particularly in the areas of prevention, disaster preparedness as well as development. Telecommunications can indeed play a key role to reduce the impact of humanitarian crisis and offer long term solutions.

TSF's VSAT on a 4x4 With its 24-hour monitoring center, and its operational bases in France, Nicaragua and in Thailand, Télécoms Sans Frontières (TSF) crews of IT and telecoms specialists can intervene anywhere in the world in less than 24 hours after any sudden onset disaster or conflict, and, in a matter of minutes, set up a satellite-based telecoms centre offering broadband Internet, phone and fax lines. In emergencies telecommunication networks are often seriously damaged or destroyed. Some humanitarian crises also strike in areas with no existing communication facilities. TSF’s rapid response telecommunications centers enable relief and rescue teams to save lives by sending and receiving information on logistics and the needs of the population within hours of an emergency. And home offices TSF’s civilian calling program supplements this service by give affected civilians a free call anywhere in the world to receive personalized assistance and mental support, help reunite families and reinsure family abroad that they are alive and safe after the emergency—a blessing to all involved, no doubt.

Filed Under: Satellite Communications

Primary Sidebar

Coverage

  • Missions & Constellations
  • Business & Finance
  • Military & Defense
  • Launch
  • Software Automation & Ground Systems
  • Government & Regulation
  • Services & Applications

Most Read Stories

  • SpaceX’s Secret ‘Starfall’ Capsule Wins FAA Approval for Pacific Reentry Tests
  • SpaceX: 10,000 Launches Annually
  • American military space closed around one company in seven days
  • Analyst Projects Massive Subscription Growth for Starlink Ahead of Imminent SpaceX IPO
  • Major opportunities for 2 GHz over Europe

Secondary Sidebar

Footer

 

Satnews is a leading provider of satellite news, events, publications, research and other satellite industry information in both commercial and military enterprises worldwide.

Stories By Category

  • Business & Finance
  • Government & Regulation
  • Launch
  • Military & Defense
  • Missions & Constellations
  • Services & Applications
  • Software Automation & Ground Systems
  • Spectrum & Licensing
  • Startups & NewSpace Business

About Us

  • Leadership & Editorial Team
  • SatNews History
  • Free Satnews Subscription
  • SatNews Events
  • Magazines

Navigation

  • Latest Stories
  • Magazines
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Cookie & Privacy Policy for Satnews

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
x
Sign up Now (For Free)
Access daily or weekly satellite news updates covering all aspects of the commercial and military satellite industry.
Invalid email address
Notify Me Regarding ( At least one ):
We value your privacy and will not sell or share your email or other information with any other company. You may also unsubscribe at anytime.

Click Here to see our full privacy policy.
Thanks for subscribing!