The government has asked all telecom operators to step up their preparedness for disaster-level situations
The goal is to make sure that telecom services remain uninterrupted across the country.
Telecom companies have also been ordered to prepare a detailed and updated list of important telecom infrastructure.
As tensions between India and Pakistan rise, the Indian government has asked all telecom operators, both private and state-owned, to step up their preparedness for disaster-level situations. The goal is to make sure that telecom services remain uninterrupted across the country, especially in border areas, and that all networks operate smoothly in coordination with one another.
SurveyTelecom companies have also been ordered to prepare a detailed and updated list of important telecom infrastructure. Special focus should be given to installations near the border districts to ensure their safety and continued operation.
“Special emphasis may be paid to ensure uninterrupted working of BTS locations within say 100 Kms. of the international border,” the Ministry of Communications’ disaster management division stated in a letter to all telecom companies, according to Moneycontrol.
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It added, “In the light of the evolving security situation and the critical need to maintain seamless communication for national security and effective disaster response, it is imperative that all necessary measures are taken to ensure uninterrupted telecom connectivity, particularly to Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) at both State and District levels.”
Telecom operators have been told to strictly follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) 2020 for managing telecom services during disasters. “This is to be treated as URGENT and necessary action must be taken without delay,” the letter stressed.
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To help this effort, local DoT officials have also been asked to work with state governments to ensure smooth movement of telecom workers during emergencies. The letter also said, “On receipt of request from the Ministry of Defence, operation of desired communication facilities on immediate/specified days may be arranged without fail.”
Telcos must keep enough diesel for generator sets to maintain power supply, deploy reserve teams and critical equipment at key spots, and run full tests of all communication gear and backup systems to ensure readiness. They also need to test the Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) facility.
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Ayushi Jain
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