Cyclone Arnab: Telecom Services Restored to 99.18% Availability in Andhra Pradesh

Telecom restoration work is underway in areas affected by Cyclone Arnab in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, with the government monitoring network availability and coordinating with service providers to restore essential communication services.

Widespread heavy rainfall, flash floods, tree falls and power infrastructure disruptions affected telecom services across parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and adjoining regions.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in coordination with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), is undertaking restoration efforts.

What are Cells on Wheels (COW)?

“Significant progress has been achieved in restoring network connectivity across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, with particular focus on resolving power supply disruptions and restoring optical fibre connectivity,” according to the Ministry of Communications.

“Emergency connectivity arrangements, including ICR and COW deployments, are being maintained to facilitate uninterrupted communication for citizens and support relief and restoration activities in the affected regions,” it said in a statement.

Andhra Pradesh telecom network availability reaches 99.18%

In Andhra Pradesh, overall telecom network availability has reached 99.18 per cent.

In Odisha, the telecom network situation in Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts has been gradually improving with the easing of rainfall and receding of floodwaters.

Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have initiated restoration work at affected sites, resulting in progressive improvement in network connectivity and a reduction in service disruptions. All TSPs are making sustained efforts on a priority basis to restore the remaining affected sites and ensure early normalisation of telecom services and uninterrupted connectivity for the public, informed the ministry.

How ICR helps restore mobile connectivity during disasters

Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) is a telecom arrangement where a mobile subscriber connects to another operator’s (TSP’s) network within the same telecom circle (region).

This allows users to access mobile services even if their own operator (TSP) has no coverage in that specific area. It plays a critical role during natural disasters when mobile infrastructure is damaged.

During the time of disaster, if mobile infrastructure is damaged in a region, DoT issues instructions to Telecom Service Providers to implement ICR.

Read More:

Cyclone Arnab Claims 7 Lives in Andhra Pradesh; Damage Estimated at ₹4,600 Crore

Cyclone Arnab: Thousands Stranded as Floods Ravage Odisha’s Ganjam and Gajapati