Building a Reliable Communications Plan: The P.A.C.E. Framework
A well-rounded communications plan is vital for ensuring continuous contact during any disruption. The military uses the P.A.C.E. model to establish a layered approach to communication, with multiple backups in place. This same principle is useful for preparedness-minded civilians, businesses, and communities. Here’s how the P.A.C.E. framework applies to communications and how you can incorporate it into your own planning.
1. Primary Communication: Cell Phones
- Overview: Cell phones are the most accessible and commonly used form of communication. They’re portable, convenient, and everyone has one on hand. Modern smartphones support calls, texts, and a range of secure communication apps.
- Security Considerations: While cell phones are essential for day-to-day use, they come with privacy concerns. Both iPhones and Android devices can track and collect user data. While encrypted apps like Signal can add a layer of security, cell phones can still be a point of vulnerability. Be aware of these limitations and adjust usage accordingly.
- Usage Tips: Store essential contacts and backup power sources (e.g., power banks) for emergencies. In crisis situations, the cell phone remains your go-to method, but always remember that networks can go down due to high traffic, cyberattacks, or other unforeseen events.
- Multiple Devices, One Network: Having multiple cell phones—such as a second phone with a separate SIM card or a prepaid “burner” phone—can add redundancy if your primary phone is lost, damaged, or compromised. However, because all cell phones depend on the same cellular network infrastructure, they collectively fall under your “Primary” means of communication in the P.A.C.E. system. Therefore, even with multiple phones, they do not count as an alternate, contingency, or emergency method if they rely on the same network. They simply add redundancy within your primary means of communication.
2. Alternate Communication: Satellite Phones
- Overview: When cell service is unreliable, satellite phones become your alternate communication method. They work independently of local cell towers by connecting directly to satellites, offering coverage even in remote areas.
- Device Example: The Garmin 750i Montana on the Iridium network is a solid choice due to its global coverage. Sat phones are critical in situations like network outages, natural disasters, or blackouts. One well-known instance of network failure was the nationwide 911 outage, with several smaller Verizon and AT&T outages occurring more recently.
- Storage and Usage: Keep your satellite phone in a Faraday bag to protect it from electromagnetic interference, and regularly check its charge. Keeping it in your vehicle ensures accessibility in transit.
3. Contingency Communication: Internet via Satellite (Starlink)
- Overview: In the event that both cellular and Iridium satellite networks fail, having internet access through a satellite provider such as Starlink can be a lifeline. Starlink uses satellite dishes to provide internet, independent of terrestrial connections, making it particularly resilient during widespread network failures.
4. Emergency Communication: Ham Radio
- Overview: In the event that both cellular and satellite networks fail, ham radios provide a robust and resilient communication method. They operate independently of centralized infrastructure, allowing direct radio-to-radio communication or connection via local repeaters.
- Benefits and Limitations: Ham radios are hard to disable, making them especially useful in disaster scenarios. Repeaters are affordable, easy to deploy, and increase transmission range, enabling you to communicate over longer distances. Additionally, ham radios can be encrypted and programmed, adding an element of security to conversations.
- Key Considerations: Make sure to obtain the appropriate licensing, as ham radio use is regulated in many regions. Familiarize yourself with local frequencies and have backup batteries available for prolonged use.
Implementing Protocols for Communication with P.A.C.E.
Once your communication methods are set, it’s essential to develop protocols for using each one effectively. Here are some ideas to get started:
- Check-in Times: Schedule regular check-ins with your group or family to confirm safety and share updates. This could mean hourly check-ins during a crisis or daily check-ins if you’re temporarily without primary communication.
- Frequency Coordination: Decide in advance which frequencies or channels to use on ham radios. If using encryption, ensure everyone has the correct setup.
- Communication Strategies: Establish specific codes or phrases that indicate key situations (e.g., “All clear,” “Proceed with caution”) to quickly convey critical information without needing long explanations.
- Power Solutions: Ensure you have off-grid power solutions to keep your devices running. A solar panel and battery backup system, like a Bluetti setup, can provide sustainable power for your communications equipment. This setup allows you to maintain critical communication channels even during extended power outages.
Conclusion: Redundancy and Preparation are Key
The P.A.C.E. model emphasizes the importance of redundancy in any emergency communication plan. By creating a layered approach, you ensure that communication remains intact even when one or more systems fail. Remember that each layer must be independent—using the same device or network for two different stages compromises the plan’s resilience.
At the end of the day, your P.A.C.E. plan is only as good as your preparedness. Regularly test each communication method, train your group or family members in their use, and invest in off-grid power options to keep everything operational. With the right planning, you’ll be equipped to stay connected, informed, and safe under any circumstances.