Vodafone INER kits are used to re-establish vital connectivity when regular communications infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. Photo from pexels-panumas nikhomkhai
The Vodafone Foundation has announced the expansion of its Instant Network Emergency Response (INER) programme by establishing seven new local hubs across Europe and Africa.
This move strengthens the Foundation’s ability to deliver life-saving communications within the first 72 hours of a disaster, helping emergency responders and affected communities reconnect when they need it most.
The new hubs in Albania, Czechia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ireland, Mozambique, and Portugal will be stocked with INER kits.
Proven Record
Since its inception, the INER programme has supported emergency response operations in more than 15 countries, reconnecting millions of people in the wake of natural and man-made disasters.
From Cyclone Idai in Mozambique to the 2020 Beirut port explosion, INER kits have been deployed in some of the world’s most challenging humanitarian settings.
These kits include secure WiFi units, solar-powered generators, and mobile charging stations.
The kits are used to re-establish vital connectivity when regular communications infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.
The connectivity they provide not only supports aid coordination and logistics but also helps families reach loved ones, access critical information, and begin the long road to recovery.
This latest expansion builds on the Foundation’s existing regional hubs in the UK, Netherlands, Germany, and Greece, and forms part of a broader strategy to decentralise and localise emergency preparedness.
“At present, we operate four main hubs which serve as the central bases for our volunteers and equipment. These hubs have been instrumental in facilitating rapid deployment during international emergencies,” said Justin Waller, Head of Vodafone Foundation’s INER programme.
“However, we recognise the necessity of establishing a more localised approach to respond to the increasing frequency and diversity of emergencies effectively. These new hubs will enable us to reach more of those we seek to support, more quickly.”
Faster, Local, More Sustainable Responses
The INER kits are designed for speed and portability, small enough to be checked in as luggage and quick to set up, restoring communications in remote, conflict, or disaster-hit zones.
By positioning these kits closer to at-risk regions, Vodafone Foundation is reducing delays, transport costs, and the carbon footprint associated with long-distance deployments.
“Our experience in Valencia last year showed us the benefits of local knowledge and networks in more effectively managing our emergency response,” Waller continued.
“That’s why, looking ahead, we know that these new hubs will help us capitalise on the same, in turn making a huge difference to the number of individuals and communities we can support at pace.”
The new hubs will also help the INER programme respond to smaller, localised emergencies that might otherwise not meet the threshold for international mobilisation but still have a serious impact on affected populations.
Powered by Local Teams and Volunteer Expertise
The INER programme is unique in that it is powered by trained Vodafone employee volunteers, who are ready to be deployed in times of crisis.
With the establishment of the new local hubs, the Foundation is now better positioned to tap into country-specific teams, who are more familiar with local contexts, languages, and communities.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting local partners on the ground,” said Lisa Felton, Managing Director of Vodafone Foundation.
“Providing our excellent teams of Vodafone employee volunteers in countries like Egypt with the kit they need to help make a very real difference.”
Training for High-Risk Deployments
As part of the expansion, Vodafone Foundation is investing in Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) for two volunteers per hub, alongside a three-day in-country training programme for all participating staff.
These trainings are crucial to ensure that volunteers can operate safely and effectively in disaster and conflict zones.
The expansion is being jointly funded by Vodafone Foundation and local Vodafone operating companies, further embedding the response capabilities within national frameworks.
“The establishment of these seven new local hubs further underscores our dedication to enabling better emergency preparedness and response. By leveraging local resources and expertise, we can ensure timely, effective, and sustainable interventions that meet the needs of affected communities, both today and in the future,” added Felton.
About Vodafone Foundation
The Vodafone Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Vodafone Group.
Operating with the vision of “connecting for good,” the Foundation applies Vodafone’s technology and expertise to address some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian and development challenges.
Its focus areas include emergency response, education, health, and digital inclusion, with a strong commitment to deploying technology as a force for social impact.
The Foundation operates across Vodafone’s markets and partners with local civil society organisations, UN agencies, and humanitarian actors to deliver meaningful and scalable solutions.
The Instant Network Emergency Response (INER) programme is one of the Foundation’s flagship initiatives, created to provide instant communications in the aftermath of disasters.
INER has grown into a globally recognised model for corporate-supported humanitarian tech, deploying trained volunteers and portable mobile networks within hours of an emergency.
In addition to INER, Vodafone Foundation runs other programmes like Instant Schools for Africa, which delivers free digital learning materials in countries such as Kenya, DRC, Ghana, and Tanzania; and DreamLab, a mobile app that uses the collective processing power of smartphones to speed up cancer and COVID-19 research.
