The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India, has directed telcos to ensure uninterrupted network connectivity across the nation amid the India-Pakistan tensions, which are set to escalate in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. As per the directives, uninterrupted network connectivity is to be ensured in the border districts, especially areas falling within 100 km of the international border, ET reports. 

Among the directives issued to the telcos are to maintain an updated list of critical telecom infrastructure and installations in border districts, to keep adequate reserves of diesel for DG sets to generate an unhindered power supply, and to strategically deploy reserve teams, including repair crews with critical spares. 

Seamless Connectivity for National Security 

“In light of the evolving security situation and the critical need to maintain seamless communications for national security and effective disaster response, it’s imperative to ensure uninterrupted telecom connectivity, particularly in emergency operations centers (EOCs) at both state and district levels,” the government, in an office memorandum dated May 7, told telecom operators.

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Strict Adherence to SOP 

The government has asked all the telcos to ensure that all the guidelines in the SOP are followed with strict adherence. The DoT has also directed operators to test their intra-circle roaming (ICR) facilities and submit activation requests to the Deputy Director General (Disaster Management) by regulatory guidelines. 

The government is going all out to ensure an uninterrupted network so that the communication regarding any critical aspect related to security and safety is communicated well to the people on the borders and elsewhere. In such volatile situations, timely communication plays a major role. While the government can’t allow the unwanted elements to buy either time or opportunity, owing to network disruption or information gaps on the ground. 

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Ensure Timely Updates 

The DOT has asked the TSPs to keep the DOT headquarters informed through timely updates on preparedness activities and coordination status. The department is trying to fit all blocks in place to ensure that no unforeseen situation is reported owing to the panic caused by an interrupted network supply. 

The SOPs aim to ensure that the DoT is informed of all the situations beforehand to enable it to maneuver alternative means of communication if any particular area remains unconnected. These eventually aim to position India at an edge over the assailants through timely communication and the right message among the masses.