Odisha: In view of the threat of whirlwind 'Montha' forming in the Bay of Bengal, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has taken wide-stretching steps to ensure the strength of the unshortened telecom network. This whirlwind is likely to impact the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha; hence, the department has strengthened monitoring and emergency arrangements.
Why was a 24×7 tenancy room created for network monitoring?
A 24x7 tenancy room has been set up at the Andhra Pradesh LSA office of the Department of Telecommunications, Vijayawada, for continuous monitoring of network operations and quick response in the cyclone-affected areas. This tenancy room will be in unvarying coordination with service providers, district administration, and the State Disaster Management Authority so that firsthand whoopee can be taken on any network disruption.
What instructions will TSP have to follow?
All Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have been instructed to protract services without interruption. They will have to ensure unobjectionable fuel storage, emergency power backup, and deployment of response teams in sensitive districts. The department has moreover ordered under SOP-2020 that liaison should not be disrupted under any circumstances and people should protract to get prior warning. For this, testing of Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) and Lamina Unconcentrated (CB) systems has been completed on all networks.
The recently implemented ethnic lamina unconcentrated system was successfully tested for all service providers through the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA). Now this system is fully zippy and ready to send zestful messages to people immediately when needed.
What are the arrangements for emergency connectivity?
DoT has directed TSPs to deploy Cell-on-Wheels (CoW) units and mobile BTS equipment in hair-trigger areas identified by APSDMA. With this, the liaison network in the unauthentic areas can be restored soon.
How is the situation stuff monitored?
Coordination meetings have been held with the State IT, Electronics and Communications (ITE&C) Department and the APSDMA to prioritize network and infrastructure restoration. The department is closely monitoring the connectivity situation through its tenancy room and receiving regular updates from service providers.
Given the potential impact of Whirlwind Montha, this preparedness ensures that mobile and internet services are not disrupted in specimen of any emergency and that relief and safety information reaches the public in a timely manner.
