Telecom services in flood-affected regions in Jammu and Kashmir are nearing normalcy with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) restoring 85 per cent of its network. The company has reported that out of its 1,173 base transceiver stations (BTS) in the state, 934 are now working. Along with this, BSNL has been able to restore 15 BTSs and one landline exchange in South Kashmir.. BSNL has also entered into an intra-circle roaming (ICR) pact with Aircel for 15 days in order to provide connectivity to its users.
Private telecom operators including Vodafone India, Aircel and Reliance Communications (RCOM) have also reportedly resumed connectivity in most parts of the Kashmir Valley. Vodafone has reported that it is providing coverage in around 700 sites in the valley, including ICR arrangements with other operators. Further, Vodafone?s six out of eight Base Switching Centres of Kashmir have been made live and paired with Jammu’s Main Switching Centre.
Meanwhile, Aircel has restored its 2G services in most part of the Kashmir region. The company is currently working with the local administration and the Army to ensure seamless connectivity on its 2G and 3G network in the region.
RCOM?s networks have been made operational at nearly 80 sites in Kashmir. Through ICR agreements with other operators, RCOM subscribers are now able to access services via more than 200 BTSs.
