In collaboration with the humanitarian community, some governments are developing disaster response frameworks that rely on telecommunications, often referred to as National Emergency Telecommunications Plans (NETPs). An NETP is a strategy document that outlines telecom-supported activities in times of crisis. It provides a policy and regulatory framework to guide the use of mobile in disaster risk management, and the relevant, step-by-step actions to be taken in each phase of the disaster management cycle beyond the role of the mobile sector.

This guide has been developed to support regulators and policymakers make a rapid assessment of mobile-enabled NETPs and support structures to mitigate the impacts of disasters.