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 underpins the proper functioning of the government, commerce and the social fabric of the nation. Key industry providers alongside the regulator and Government departments have worked together to agree a National Emergency Plan, which was launched in May 2003.
A number of documents are available via the resilience web site that will inform the emergency planning community:
The Electronic Communication – Resilience and Response Group (EC-RRG)
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.
Representatives meet at 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 EC-RRG;
- 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. The EC-RRG is working closely with government departments to determine the essential needs of these sectors, in particular the financial services sector and the energy sector. EC-RRG 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, the EC-RRG is responsible for a set of Resilience Guidelines, which set out measures that the telecommunication sector should take to ensure that their networks perform reliably in the face of internal and external threats.
The Future
The EC-RRG 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.
