Telecom Services Restored in Arunachal Pradesh After Severe Disruptions
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has swiftly responded to severe disruptions of communication networks in Arunachal Pradesh caused by heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, and landslides. The measures are aimed at ensuring the continuity of telecom services in the affected areas, which have suffered extensive damage due to adverse weather conditions.
In recognition of the vital role that telecommunications play during emergencies, the DoT activated its emergency response mechanism. It directed all Telecom Service Providers to enable Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) across four districts: Keyi Panyor, Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri, and West Siang. This initial activation will last for three days and is intended to provide immediate relief to residents grappling with communication issues.
Reports indicate that severe weather has led to significant damage to telecom infrastructure. Flash floods have compromised the NEEPCO Exchange at Posa in Yazali, leaving it non-operational. Additionally, landslides between Potin and Yazali have damaged approximately 12 kilometers of Optical Fibre Cable (OFC), hindering communication services. Ongoing rainfall and landslides, coupled with power outages, are complicating restoration efforts further.
Damage to OFC infrastructure at Hoz has also disrupted connectivity across Sagalee, Lemmi, Kampu, and Seppa. Restoration teams are actively working to re-establish communication by utilizing alternative routes such as the Sopo–Hoz Maan route.
The implementation of ICR allows mobile subscribers of any participating telecom operator to automatically connect to another available network in areas where their own service is temporarily unavailable. This will benefit not only the local populace but also those visiting from other regions of the country. The measure is seen as crucial for enhancing communication capabilities for residents, disaster response teams, healthcare workers, and government agencies involved in relief and recovery operations.
To monitor and manage the situation effectively, the DoT is maintaining close surveillance through its field units and is coordinating with Telecom Service Providers to expedite the restoration of services.
Understanding Intra Circle Roaming (ICR)
Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) is a telecommunication agreement that enables mobile users to connect to another operator’s network within the same telecom circle. This functionality is crucial, especially during natural disasters when damage to mobile infrastructure can leave users without service.
When mobile services are disrupted, the DoT intervenes by instructing telecom operators to implement ICR. To make use of this service, users should ensure that “Automatic Network Selection” is turned on in their phone settings. If this feature does not automatically connect to a network, users can manually select another available network by going to Settings > Mobile Networks > Network Operators.
The Department of Telecommunications continues to liaise with all relevant parties to ensure a prompt resolution to the communicative challenges faced in Arunachal Pradesh.
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