The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is looking at fast-tracking the process of setting-up a pan-India priority call routing or PCR system. The system would help customers access communications networks more quickly during natural disasters.
The regulatory body has sought the views of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on implementing priority call routing across telecom networks in the country. According to TRAI, the significant increase in telecom traffic during disasters hinders emergency response systems, which is why a pan-India PCR system should be implemented across wireless networks in India and financed by the government through budgetary allocation.
Further, TRAI has asked the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Telecommunications for their views on giving operators the authority to pre-empt ongoing conversations to ensure emergency calls on congested networks are routed on a priority to workforce engaged in disaster management. In addition, TRAI has also sought NDMA?s views on accessing the National Disaster Relief Funds for financing a part of the PCR scheme.
