AT&T FOUNDATION TO DONATE $50,000 TO INTERNATIONAL RELIEF ORGANIZATION AT NEWS CONFERENCE IN HOUSTON TODAY
Télécoms sans Frontières specializes in restoring emergency telecommunications services during catastrophes – including recent tsunami
What: The recent tsunami in the Indian Ocean points to the need for all businesses – particularly those in coastal communities, such as Houston – to embrace disaster preparedness and business continuity as priorities. AT&T’s NDR exercise in Houston showcases the company’s robust capabilities to respond and recover quickly from disaster and serves as a challenge for all area businesses and families to develop and periodically test disaster plans.
When: Monday, Feb. 21: 1:30 p.m.
Where: Omni Houston Hotel Westside, 13210 Katy Freeway
Why: Télécoms sans Frontières (TSF), which specializes in restoring emergency telecommunications services during catastrophes or country conflicts. TSF teams can deploy anywhere in world, usually within 48 hours, to help re-establish telecommunications, assist rescue operations and enable disaster victims to reach family and friends. This will be the third year the AT&T Foundation has supported the French-based charity in recognition of the invaluable humanitarian work the organization does around the world. AT&T is contributing technical support for the development of TSF initiatives by providing its teams with free remote access to the Internet and teleconferencing services. AT&T, a world expert in disaster recovery and business continuity, will also lend its skills and expertise to advise TSF in the area of emergency telecommunications.
Who: Julie Cazenave, coordinator, Télécoms sans Frontières will accept the donation and speak about the importance of restoring emergency telecommunications services during catastrophes or country conflicts. Cazenave is fluent in both English and Spanish.
John Griffin, AT&T regional vice president, based in Houston, will award the donation.
Editors also note: an HISD class specializing in computer science from the High School for Engineering Professions will tour the NDR site at 1:00 p.m. Journalists are welcome to accompany the students.
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