Cyclone Arnab Disrupts Telecom Services in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha
Cyclone Arnab has severely affected telecom services in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, prompting restoration efforts by the government.
New Delhi, October 31 (Daily Kiran) : Telecom services in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have faced significant disruptions due to Cyclone ‘Arnab’, which made landfall along the coasts of these states. The government is actively working to restore network connectivity in the affected areas to ensure essential communication services remain operational.
Heavy rainfall, sudden flooding, fallen trees, and damage to electrical infrastructure have all contributed to the telecom outages. The Department of Telecommunications is collaborating with telecom service providers to expedite the restoration process.
According to the Ministry of Communications, substantial progress has been made in restoring network connectivity in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Efforts are primarily focused on addressing power supply issues and re-establishing optical fiber connectivity.
To facilitate uninterrupted communication for citizens and support relief and recovery efforts, emergency connectivity measures such as Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) and Circuit of Work (COW) have been implemented. In Andhra Pradesh, the availability of telecom networks has reached 99.18 percent.
In the districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal in Odisha, improvements in telecom services are gradually being observed as rainfall subsides and floodwaters recede.
Telecom service providers have initiated restoration work in the impacted areas, resulting in continuous improvements in network connectivity and reduced service interruptions. The ministry has stated that all telecom service providers are prioritizing the restoration of services in the remaining affected locations to ensure seamless connectivity for the public.
Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) allows mobile users to connect to another operator’s network within the same telecom circle. This arrangement is crucial during natural disasters, as it ensures users can still access mobile services even when their own operator’s network is down.
During emergencies, if mobile infrastructure in an area is damaged, the Department of Telecommunications instructs telecom service providers to implement ICR.
