The Vodafone Foundation is expanding its global emergency preparedness by pre-deploying Instant Network Emergency Response (INER) kits to seven additional international locations. This move is aimed at enhancing the Foundation’s ability to provide rapid connectivity during crises and disasters.
These new hubs—located in Albania, Czechia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ireland, Mozambique, and Portugal—will house essential INER technology. This includes secure WiFi units, charging stations, and solar-powered generators, which are crucial for re-establishing communication within the first 72 hours of an emergency. The technology supports both emergency services and affected individuals on the ground.
With this expansion, Vodafone Foundation now operates 11 INER hubs worldwide, adding to existing ones in the UK, Netherlands, Germany, and Greece. The increased geographical spread is expected to significantly enhance local preparedness and improve the speed of emergency responses.
The decentralised network of hubs enables quicker, more efficient, and cost-effective deployment in disaster-hit areas. It also strengthens local capacity by training regional teams who understand the local context and can access hard-to-reach locations more effectively. Furthermore, this localised approach helps reduce the environmental impact typically associated with international emergency deployments.
