Islamabad, Dec 18: Ufone 4G has partnered with ConnectHear, South Asia’s leading assistive technology startup, to enhance disaster response for Deaf communities across Pakistan. This collaboration, backed by the GSMA Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges, aims to use advanced AI technology to ensure that Deaf individuals receive life-saving information during natural disasters like floods and earthquakes.
With over 10 million Deaf or hard of hearing individuals in Pakistan, inclusive communication during emergencies is crucial. The partnership will focus on improving ConnectHear’s virtual interpretation services, allowing them to function in low-connectivity environments, and developing an AI system that automatically generates early warning messages in sign language.
Pakistan has been significantly affected by climate-related disasters, including severe floods that impacted over 30 million people in 2022. During such events, communication networks often fail, leaving Deaf individuals without access to critical information.
This partnership seeks to address this issue by utilizing Ufone’s extensive telecom network, reaching millions of Deaf individuals across the country with AI-powered sign language alerts. Ufone will also zero-rate the ConnectHear app on its network, allowing users to access essential services without needing a data package or balance.
Syed Atif Raza, Group Chief Commercial Officer of PTCL & Ufone 4G, emphasized the importance of accessible, timely information during emergencies, noting that this collaboration is a step toward inclusivity in disaster response. Arhum Ishtiaq, Co-Founder of ConnectHear, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to expand their reach and provide real-time, life-saving alerts.
GSMA’s Phillipe Bellordre highlighted the initiative’s transformative potential, stating that it sets a precedent for inclusive disaster preparedness globally. This partnership not only strengthens disaster communication for vulnerable communities but also showcases the power of technology in ensuring safety and inclusion during times of crisis.
