The Ministry of Digital Affairs yesterday said it would test an emergency telecommunications network next month, and work with emergency responders to implement a public protection and disaster relief network in October.
The ministry and the National Fire Agency are to jointly conduct the test as part of the National Disaster Prevention Day emergency response drills on Sept. 21, Minister of Digital Affairs Audrey Tang (唐鳳) told a news conference marking the ministry’s first anniversary.
The event is to be the first of many that the ministry plans to carry out, she said, adding that the network was created to ensure that people can switch to another telecom provider for free if their provider goes down during a national emergency or disaster.
Photo: CNA
A program is being implemented to certify service providers are able to do so, Tang said, adding that keeping channels of communication open is key for disseminating shelter locations, storm alerts and other public safety information.
In addition, the ministry plans to certify a separate broadband public protection and disaster relief network on Oct. 20 to be used by police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and other first responders, she said.
The network’s capabilities, including phone calls and video sharing, would be tested by first responders in a trial, Tang said, adding that feedback from the testing would be beneficial for improvements.
Regarding military threats to the nation’s telecom infrastructure, Tang said that the ministry has prepared a backup capability based on microwave antennas and non-geostationary orbit satellites should the undersea data cables linking Taiwan proper with Lienchiang County be severed again.
A new cable named Taiwan-Matsu Cable No. 4, which the ministry subsidized, is expected to enter into operation in late 2025, she said.
The ministry aims to achieve 700 satellite terminal stations and 70 backhaul sites in Taiwan, and three terminal stations in a foreign territory, Tang said.
The Itu Aba Island (Taiping Island, 太平島) coast guard base is one of the locations prioritized to get a backhaul system installed, she said, adding that the program represents a significant expansion of mobile signal coverage in the nation.
In addition, a government text message platform utilizing the “111” short message service (SMS) code for official use is to be trialed next month, Tang said.
Federal agencies are encouraged, but not required to participate in the system, which is part of a larger effort to counter SMS-based scams impersonating government officials, she said.
The platform would ensure that only authenticated entities are allowed to use the number, Tang said, adding it is expected be effective in stopping domestic and foreign-based fraud.
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