Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
will permit certain companies to link with the embassy's local and non-
secure VHF or UHF radio system. This will allow direct communication
with the embassy in the event that local telephone communications is dis-
rupted, either intentionally or as the result of a system-wide failure. The
regional security officer in the host country can provide you with infor-
mation on this subject and tell you whether it will be possible to do. The
company should, at a minimum, maintain its own radio network to com-
municate with employees. Motorola can design a system to suit your com-
pany's individual needs. They can, for a few thousand dollars, set up a
simple repeater system that can be used to alert employees in cases of
emergency. They can provide radios to allow the use of the local VHF,
UHF, or tracking system as well. Motorola can be contacted directly and
a representative can discuss all available options with you. Remember, non-
secure systems may be easily monitored. Always assume that someone is
listening to your transmissions and use strict radio discipline. For com-
munication outside the local area but still within the confines of the local
region, a national high-frequency system is necessary. Generally such a
system requires the use of repeaters that rebroadcast the signal over
greater distances. Shortwave radio will allow for the communication with
the home office in the United States. Larger companies may own and
operate their own satellite communications system and have it encrypted
if it is likely that they will need to transmit sensitive information. Such
systems can allow for communication even if local land lines are cut
deliberately or as a result of a natural disaster. Similarly, commercial sat-
ellite technology is also available and provides effective worldwide commu-
nications. The Diplomatic Security Service uses this type of phone system
to communicate with its personnel anywhere and under any circumstances.
The communications system also must provide for the broadcast of
emergency information that is reasonably certain to reach all expatriate
employees of the company. If you are American, you are familiar with the
periodic testing of the emergency broadcast system. Years ago it was tested
over radio and television, but in recent years it has become associated only
with the commercial radio airwaves. If you are listening to the radio, you
may hear a long, high-pitched tone followed by an announcer stating
“This was a test of the emergency broadcast system.” The announcer then
goes on to explain that if this were a real emergency, the tone would be
followed by official information describing the nature of the emergency and
directing the public as to the action they must take. All major companies
overseas should maintain a system that can operate along these lines.
