The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has set up a war room at its headquarters to ensure cyclone Biparjoy does not disrupt telecom connectivity or keep the damages to a minimum in Gujarat. The department will receive regular daily updates on the websites affected and countermeasures deployed by telcos.
Additionally, telecom operators have commenced intra-circle roaming arrangements in affected areas to allow subscribers to make calls and send messages utilising the network of any of the telecom firms, in line with the guidelines set up by DoT. Telcos will also be sending alerts to consumers on a regular basis. The guidelines dictated the telcos to open a sufficient number of public calling boots, preferably free of cost, for the general public in the affected areas. No subscriber is to be denied access to a voice/short message service (SMS) communications due to any commercial consideration, including non-payment/insufficient balance/ recharge etc, as this facility will continue for at least 15 days. The rules also require telcos to keep a certain number of portable base transceiver station (BTS) as inventory and satellite equipment for connectivity to restore mobile services disrupted due to damaged BTS.
Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio Infocomm and Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi) are taking necessary precautions for seamless connectivity in areas likely to be impacted by the cyclone. Vi commented that spare mobile diesel generators and other critical equipment parts were arranged and kept ready at key locations in the seven districts of Gujarat to ensure a faster restoration of network infrastructure. The company also prepared cell on wheels for movement when required. Whereas, Airtel set up a 24*7 war room to monitor the situation.
