In coordination with the National Fire Agency, Ministry of the Interior’s 2024 National Disaster Prevention Day Large-Scale Earthquake Disaster Response Drill, the Ministry of Digital Affairs ( MODA) partnered with the National Fire Agency and three major telecom operators to simulate emergencies when part of the communication network is unavailable. During such incidents, the forward command center in the disaster area can communicate with the response center through asynchronous orbit satellites and the Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) multi-communication system to effectively manage disaster situations and assist in allocating rescue resources. President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Deputy Minister Herming Chiueh, oversaw the entire drill process.

The Ministry stated that the emergency response satellite network signals can currently be received across Taiwan’s main island and outlying islands (excluding the Pratas and Spratly Islands), allowing seamless access to real-time communication and online meeting services. By the end of this year, the MODA plans to complete the installation of 773 synchronous satellite terminal devices to serve as a critical communication network for emergency response during future emergencies.

Furthermore, to strengthen on-site communication capabilities in disaster areas, the MODA is helping the National Fire Agency verify the PPDR Communication System, referencing mechanisms from the United States and South Korea. This involves the government setting up a core network that connects with existing telecom operators’ base stations. During major disasters, a portion of mobile network resources will be allocated to rescue units for disaster assessment and emergency assistance, ensuring high-quality two-way audio and video communications for firefighting and police rescue personnel, achieving communication priority, stability, and resilience. MODA aims to connect 12 base stations from the three major telecom operators in Chiayi County, Tainan City, and Kaohsiung City by the end of this year, with plans to expand to 24 base stations across six counties and cities next year, validating that rescue communication can receive priority during emergencies.

MODA will continue to respond to the evolution of emerging communication technologies and changes in the external environment, assisting various government agencies in building multi-communication systems. By doing so, the command systems can effectively manage
relevant information and disseminate accurate information during disasters, maintaining national and social stability.