Communication During Emergency Situations: 10 Robust Connectivity Solutions

Emergencies, whether natural disasters or man-made crises, have a way of showing us what truly matters. One thing that becomes clear almost immediately is the importance of communication. 

Emergencies like forest fires in Jasper, Alberta or floods in Toronto can quickly disrupt communication networks, cutting off vital connectivity when needed most. Fires can melt fiber or cable lines, while floods destroy infrastructure, isolating entire areas. In these situations, having reliable communication services and backups is essential.

Multiple connection sources are crucial for maintaining communication, whether through 5G mobile networks, LEO/GEO satellites, or portable internet solutions. Large-scale network outages, like those experienced by companies such as Rogers, highlight the importance of having resilient backup systems. In this post, we’ll explore ten robust communication solutions to keep you connected when it matters most.

The Importance of Reliable Communication in Emergencies

When we talk about communication during emergencies, we’re talking about survival. A well-coordinated response is critical in the middle of a disaster. Communication is key whether you’re coordinating a large-scale evacuation or simply trying to find out if your family is safe. But traditional communication networks—cell towers, landlines, and internet connections—are often among the first to go down in a crisis.

Take, for instance, the forest fires that have swept through parts of Canada in recent years. These fires destroy homes and forests and knock out the power lines and cell towers people rely on for communication. When these systems go down, it’s like losing a lifeline. Emergency responders find it harder to coordinate their efforts, and people in affected areas can’t call for help or get the information they need.

The floods in British Columbia in 2021 tell a similar story. Roads were washed out, and entire communities were left isolated. Without reliable communication, getting accurate information about the situation was almost impossible. This is why having a disaster communication plan is so crucial. It’s not just about having a backup—it’s about having a plan that accounts for the worst-case scenario.

Communication Solutions During Emergency Situations

When disaster strikes, communication is everything. It’s the lifeline that keeps people connected, informed, and safe. But traditional networks—cell towers, internet lines, even radio signals—are fragile. In a crisis, they’re often the first to go. So, what do you do when the usual channels fail? You need alternatives, and you need them fast.

Here are ten practical communication solutions that work when everything else doesn’t.

1. Satellite Internet

Satellite internet works by bouncing signals off satellites rather than relying on ground-based infrastructure. This makes it resilient to many issues that can disrupt traditional internet connections. 

With advancements in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, like those from Galaxy’s partners OneWeb, Intellian, and Kymeta, satellite internet is now faster and more reliable than ever. Portable satellite internet solutions allow for quick deployment in disaster zones, ensuring continuous connectivity. Additionally, with WiFi calling, smartphones can maintain communication through satellite internet, eliminating the need for traditional phone networks.

2. Direct-to-Device Technology 

Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology, also known as “supplemental coverage from space” (SCS), is an emerging solution that allows smartphones to connect directly to satellites. While still in its early stages, D2D has the potential to fill critical coverage gaps in remote areas where traditional cell towers can’t reach.

This technology could be well suited for emergency situations, particularly in rural or disaster-stricken areas where communication infrastructure has been compromised. Unlike satellite phones, D2D would enable regular smartphones to maintain connectivity through satellite links, providing essential communication capabilities without the need for specialized devices. The expected timeline for services includes emergency texting by 2024, full texting by 2025, voice capabilities by 2026, and video by 2027.

3. Satellite Phones

Satellite phones are essentially mobile phones that talk to satellites instead of cell towers. This makes them immune to most of the problems that can knock out regular phone service. Whether you’re in the middle of a forest fire or on a boat in the middle of the ocean, a satellite phone will connect you. 

4. Private 5G Networks

In the face of emergencies, some organizations are turning to Private 5G networks for more resilient and secure communication. These networks provide dedicated connectivity, separate from traditional telecom providers, ensuring uninterrupted communication for critical services.

Police forces and municipalities are increasingly adopting Private 5G networks to keep their emergency services connected. For instance, Peel Police have deployed a Nokia Private 5G network that keeps all police vehicles and stations linked independently from commercial networks. This network is shared with fire departments, EMS, and municipal offices, creating a unified communication system that remains operational even when public networks go down.

5. Backup Internet Systems

Backup internet systems, like 4G LTE failovers or satellite-based internet, are designed to kick in when your primary connection fails. These systems provide a seamless transition, so you stay connected without interruption. They’re critical for businesses that can’t afford downtime, especially during an emergency when every second counts.

6. Mass Notification Systems 

Mass Notification Systems (MNS) are comprehensive platforms designed to broadcast urgent messages to large groups of people across multiple channels simultaneously. Think of them as an all-in-one solution for emergency alerts—via text message, email, voice calls, push notifications or even social media. These systems allow for rapid dissemination of critical information during a crisis, ensuring that no one is uninformed.

These platforms are widely used by businesses, governments, and emergency services to notify people of urgent situations like natural disasters, security threats, or system outages. For example, MNS can send evacuation orders, road closures, and safety instructions to affected areas during a fire within seconds. They can also target specific groups, such as employees, first responders, or the general public.

7. Fixed Wireless Solutions

Fixed wireless solutions are another crucial piece in the connectivity puzzle, especially in areas where traditional wired infrastructure is unreliable or non-existent. These systems use microwave technology to deliver high-speed internet by transmitting signals between fixed points. It’s a bit like a more sophisticated version of a satellite connection but grounded.

What makes fixed wireless compelling is its versatility. Whether you’re in an urban, rural, or remote area, these systems can be customized to meet specific service requirements. They can provide primary or secondary internet connections, ensuring that even if one connection goes down, another is ready to take over. 

8. Two-Way Radios

Two-way handhelds, or push-to-talk , are about as simple as communication gets. They don’t need towers or satellites—just a frequency and another radio on the same one. They’re reliable, easy to use, and perfect for short-range communication. In a chaotic environment, sometimes simplicity is your best bet.

9. VoIP Systems

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems offer a critical advantage in emergency situations: they operate over the internet rather than traditional phone lines, making them less vulnerable to infrastructure damage. As long as there’s an internet connection—whether through satellite internet, fixed wireless, or a backup LTE/5G connection—VoIP systems can keep communication channels open.

For businesses, this means that even if your physical office is offline, your phone system doesn’t have to be. VoIP systems can be cloud-hosted, ensuring that calls and communications can be rerouted and managed remotely. This flexibility is particularly valuable during emergencies, where traditional phone lines might be down, but internet-based communication is still possible.

10. Communications on the Move (COTM) Solutions

When you’re dealing with an emergency, staying in one place isn’t always an option. That’s where Communications on the Move (COTM) comes in. With mobile satellite setups and flat panel antennas, you can keep emergency vehicles and command centers connected, even on the go. When flexibility and mobility are crucial, COTM ensures you stay in touch.

Ensuring Business Continuity With Galaxy Broadband

The key to keeping your business running during an emergency is preparation. It’s not just about having a backup plan; it’s about having the right tools to ensure you stay connected, no matter what happens. 

Whether it’s LEO satellites, mobile networks, or fixed wireless solutions, your chosen technology could be the difference between your business staying operational or shutting down. Galaxy Broadband understands this reality, so they offer a range of robust, tailored solutions designed to keep your business online, even when everything else fails. Ultimately, investing in reliable communication is about ensuring you can continue to serve your customers, no matter what challenges come your way.