Project name: Telecommunications Disaster Risk and Resilience Assessment and Roadmap Project in Bhutan
CDRI, in partnership with national telecom stakeholders and infrastructure providers, is leading the Bhutan Telecommunications Disaster Risk and Resilience Assessment and Roadmap Project to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure against natural hazards.
The technical study under this project evaluates risks across Bhutan’s telecom networks, pinpoints resilience gaps, and develops a strategic roadmap tailored to the nation’s mountainous terrain and landlocked geography.
By supporting policy enhancement, infrastructure planning, and capacity building, the project ensures reliable connectivity and emergency communication for both urban and remote communities.
Collaboration:
- Bhutan Telecom Ltd.
national fibre network
as digital hubs
Impact
1
The study will assess weaknesses in Bhutan’s linear fibre and mobile network, informing the design of redundant fibre loops and satellite backups. These measures are crucial to maintaining seamless connectivity amid landslides, earthquakes, and floods.
2
By mapping telecom infrastructure against multi-hazard zones, the study will enable risk-informed site selection for towers and fibre routes. This is crucial for remote and high-altitude areas vulnerable to seismic activity and climate-induced disasters, ensuring resilient connectivity.
3
The study will formulate disaster-specific SOPs, regulatory frameworks, and emergency protocols for Bhutanese telecom providers. It will also enhance coordination among telecom stakeholders and disaster response agencies, ensuring faster post-disaster restoration and improved network resilience across Bhutan.
