As part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring resilient and reliable communication networks, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications has undertaken extensive preparedness measures to safeguard telecom services in the wake of Cyclone Montha, which is developing over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to impact the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Recognizing that uninterrupted connectivity is vital for emergency communication and public safety during natural disasters, the DoT has activated its 24×7 control room at the Andhra Pradesh Licensed Service Area (LSA) office in Vijayawada. This control room serves as the central coordination hub for monitoring telecom networks, addressing service disruptions, and ensuring seamless communication between Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), district administrations, and the State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs).
Proactive Measures to Ensure Network Continuity
All major telecom operators have been instructed to undertake preventive and preparedness actions in line with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP-2020) for disaster communication. These include:
- Maintaining adequate fuel reserves and backup power systems for critical network sites.
- Deployment of field response teams in vulnerable districts to ensure rapid on-ground restoration.
- Readiness of Cell-on-Wheels (CoW) units and mobile BTS (Base Transceiver Station) equipment at strategic locations identified by the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA).
The DoT’s proactive stance ensures that telecom services remain functional, even in the face of severe weather conditions, providing a vital communication link for citizens and emergency responders alike.
Ensuring Early Warning and Communication Continuity
In accordance with SOP-2020, DoT has successfully completed testing for Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) and Cell Broadcast (CB) readiness across all networks. These systems enable communication continuity and the dissemination of early warning alerts to the public in disaster situations.
Notably, the indigenous Cell Broadcast system, recently implemented by DoT, has been successfully tested for all service providers in collaboration with the APSDMA. This technology plays a crucial role in issuing real-time emergency alerts directly to mobile devices, ensuring that critical information reaches citizens promptly and reliably.
Collaborative Efforts for Rapid Response
The DoT has also held coordination meetings with the State ITE&C Department and APSDMA to streamline the prioritization of telecom infrastructure restoration. The aim is to ensure seamless communication support for disaster response teams and emergency services.
With continuous monitoring through its control room and regular status updates from TSPs, the DoT remains fully engaged in maintaining network stability before, during, and after Cyclone Montha’s landfall.
These efforts reflect the Ministry’s vision under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative — celebrating 75 years of progress by reinforcing national resilience and technological self-reliance in critical infrastructure.
Stay Connected for Official Updates
For the latest updates and advisories, citizens are encouraged to follow the official handles of the Department of Telecommunications:
- X (Twitter): @DoT_India
- Instagram: Department_of_Telecom
- Facebook: DoT India
- YouTube: Department of Telecom