Ogilvy & Mather Hong Kong and Maxis develop portable device to help people during heavy rains

Ogilvy & Mather Hong Kong and leading Malaysian communications network Maxis, have developed and launched a one-of-a-kind portable communications device that allows people to call for help when power supplies or cellular activity has been affected during heavy monsoon rains and flooding.

The SOS device is safe, reliable and easy to use and can be set up within minutes in a flood-affected area, which provides an interim solution until normal telecoms infrastructure is restored.

VIEW THE CONCEPT

Execution involved designing weather-proof boxes that consist of multiple ‘mesh nodes’ and a battery, router and antenna. The nodes are specifically designed to be placed on the rooftops of houses and buildings in affected areas, connecting with each other to form a mesh communications network.

All smartphones are then able to connect to the SOS ‘wifi’ network regardless of service provider, allowing users to send messages unhindered within the area. Only a few mesh nodes are needed to cover an area of several square kilometers. The battery in each node lasts for one week and can be recharged via solar, generator, mains or car battery.

Rafael Guida, Executive Creative Director, OglivyOne Hong Kong said, “Extreme weather often cripples power supplies and cellular activity, preventing people from calling for help or telling loved ones they are safe. The Maxis SOS Network is simple but highly effective and taps into Ogilvy’s digital and technological expertise. We are extremely proud of this product and would like to see this communications device help more potential people in need.”

To view the campaign video, please click on this link: https://vimeo.com/158459174

Credits –

Account Executive: Danesh Asokkumar