The recent disasters in Chile and Haiti have highlighted an important issue: during large-scales disasters, it is incredibly important for mobile networks to stay running. Ericsson, for example, deploys its “network in a can” to countries where the comms infrastructure may be down. But roaming solutions provider Starhome is suggesting a different solution - it claims that a “roaming broker” could help operators to back each other up when coverage goes down.
What’s the story?
Starhome claims that since operators are natural competitors within a country, they never have bilateral roaming agreements in place. However, the failure of coverage in disaster zones has prompted a lot of questions on how mobile coverage can be maintained during emergencies. Starhome claims that its Roaming Broker program can solve that problem without requiring the operators to battle through a forest of red tape with one another (or, as Starhome rather cutely puts it “operators who do not wish to spend time and resources in signing costly and lengthy agreements”).
How does it work?
Effectively it’s a Next Generation Network solution. It creates a third space where both legacy and 4G networks can support one another and carry each others signals should the need arise. Starhome is proposing this system as part of its participation with a large R&D body that is dedicated to using comms for public safety – the CELTIC FT-PSC (Federated Test bed for Public Safety Communications).
What we think?
To be clear: this system would only kick into action where one network crashes or doesn’t have coverage in an area. If another network was present that could carry the signal, it would provide back-up. This is not really a commercial application. It’s not intended for the operators to enter into deals with one another. It’s simply a system that would help to bolster public and emergency communications even during a disaster.
