Category 2 Responders - Generic Emergency Planning Arrangements
Telecommunications (Telephone service providers - fixed and mobile)
Overview
It is recognised that telecommunications forms an important part of the
United Kingdom's 'Critical National Infrastructure': it
supports the governmental, commercial and social life of the nation. Some
major communication providers, government and the regulator have worked
together to formulate a National Emergency Plan for this sector. This plan
is now complete and was launched on 20th May 2003.
A number of documents are available via the resilience web site that will
inform the emergency planning community:
The Telecommunications Emergency Planning Forum (TI-EPF)
Major Communications Providers have co-operated in the creation of the
emergency plan. These providers include fixed and mobile operators as well
as representatives from the Internet. Government departments have also
taken an active role.
All those companies and government representatives meet in a regular forum
to discuss issues relating to emergency planning and to develop and
maintain the common approach specified in the plan.
The Telecommunications National Emergency Plan
The Plan itself comprises:
-
A list of key contacts in Communications Providers and government;
-
Details of the Emergency Planning Forum;
-
The agreed process for monitoring and managing emergencies;
-
A description of the varying kinds of emergency scenario that could
occur;
-
Encourages best practice in maintaining network security and integrity;
-
Refers to a separate Memorandum of Understanding between Communications
Providers on mutual assistance in emergencies;
-
In the absence of any specific guidance from government, defines what
should be considered as priority services and priority customer groups.
All these aspects of the plan are under continuous review.
Interdependency with other sectors
All sectors of the economy depend heavily on communications for their own
business continuity. TI-EPF is working closely with government departments
to determine the essential needs of these sectors, in particular the
financial services sector and the energy sector. TI-EPF is also ensuring
that the essential needs of the telecommunications industry during
emergencies are recognised by government departments.
Resilience of the National Telecommunications Infrastructure
In addition to the creation of a Telecommunications National Emergency
Plan, TI-EPF is responsible for TI-EPF Resilience Guidelines. This document
sets out guidance about appropriate measures the telecommunication sector
should take to ensure that their networks perform reliably in the face of
internal and external threats.
The Future
The Emergency Planning Forum will continue to develop the
Telecommunications National Emergency Plan and integrate it with the
emergency plans of other UK sectors. It will also continue to arrange an
annual exercise that tests the Plan.
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