Based in the United States, NetHope is a global initiative of several collaborating international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) seeking to use information and communication technologies (ICTs) to make a positive impact on educational, environmental, healthcare, and relief services for children and their families in developing countries.

As a response to the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami disaster, and as reported on the organisation's Home Page on January 19 2005, NetHope and its partners have devised a system for making portable Internet technology available to those in even the most remote coastal communities affected by the catastrophe.

Specifically, NetHope is shipping NetReliefKits (NRKs) to the region in conjunction with its member NGOs (Cisco Systems, CGNET, Inmarsat, the Christian Children's Fund, World Vision and the International Rescue Committee). Still in a prototype stage, NRKs are rugged, suitcase-sized, wireless-based voice and data communications devices with access to the Internet via a mobile satellite station. According to this report, the device "can be made operable within hours of a disaster striking. The NRK may be powered by mains as well as car battery." The purpose of the tool is to provide an easy-to-set up and operate communications hub for disaster management.

Where possible, the NRK will use the Regional BGAN mobile satellite terminal from Inmarsat that is included with the kit. Satellite terminals from NetHope's partner, Eutelsat, are being deployed by NetHope's participating members in Aceh province in Sumatra, Indonesia (Eutelsat repositioned a satellite to cover the tsunami-affected region via Internet-optimised service); most of these terminals are funded through a Microsoft grant. Speedcast also deployed and installed satellite equipment and provided technical support. In many senses, then, this aid programme is an example of the role of collaboration and partnership - among NGOs, new technology companies in the private sphere, and humanitarian organisations - in making technology available to those who need it.

NetNope will provide a total of 5 NRKs as part of this aid programme. The first is now operational in Banda Aceh at the offices of Save the Children. One of the 5 NRKs will be installed in a mobile van by Actionaid for transport around Cuddalore and Nagapatnam districts of southern India to provide relief services.

This report indicates that NetHope is working with Cisco Systems to make the NRK available as a product to relief agencies worldwide.

Click here to access the NetHope website.

Click here for more information about the NRK in PDF format.