The telecommunications network specifically designed to help Cameroon coordinate emergency response is expected to be fully implemented by the end of the year and will be rolled out nationally, according to the country's Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Minette Libom Li Likeng.
The USD 155 million National Emergency Telecommunications Network (NETN), financed by Exim Bank of China, is being built by Chinese telecommunications company ZTE Corporation.
The project's implementation rate is now 90,69%, officials said, as ZTE expects to complete work by the end of the year. NETN will be managed by Ministry staff who have been trained by ZTE.
NETN comprises five main components: emergency communications system, video surveillance system, videoconferencing facility, electronic police system, and trunked radio system. It is also linked to ten regional centers.
Minister Li Likeng said the infrastructure will enable Cameroon to better respond to emergencies, including crime, health crises, terrorism and natural disasters. "The trunked radio system will allow government services to manage emergencies confidentially and securely without relying on or putting pressure on public networks."
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By using the toll free number 112, anyone, regardless of whether they have a SIM card or not, can make an emergency call and connect to NETN.
“A national emergency telecommunications plan has been drawn up not only to mitigate the shortfall in telecommunications resources suffered by the main administrations responsible for these issues (emergencies and disasters), but also to ensure the availability of operational telecommunications, as and when required. , in response to emergency situations across the country,” said Minister Li Likeng.
