JMSDF Okinawa Base and telecom firms sign disaster recovery pact

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Okinawa Base and four telecommunications companies—NTT Docomo, SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile, and Okinawa Cellular Telephone—have signed a detailed cooperation agreement to ensure rapid restoration of communication services during disasters.

Due to Okinawa’s geography, which includes numerous remote islands and frequent typhoons, transporting equipment and personnel can be difficult when land routes are severed. Under the agreement, the JMSDF will support recovery efforts by using vessels to transport communication equipment, supplies, and personnel. The JMSDF will also provide facilities, workspaces, and power equipment to serve as bases for recovery activities.

In return, the telecommunications providers will prioritize lending smartphones, Wi-Fi routers, and satellite phones to the Okinawa Base. The parties will establish communication protocols to share real-time information regarding disaster and recovery status. This agreement builds upon a previous cooperation pact signed with the JMSDF Sasebo District. To ensure readiness, the groups plan to conduct regular meetings and joint training exercises simulating communication restoration in remote island areas.