Govt tells telcos to stay alert, ensure uninterrupted connectivity amid India-Pakistan tensions
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The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has directed telcos to be vigilant, stay in a state of heightened preparedness and ensure unhindered connectivity, amid rising India-Pakistan border tensions '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 centres (EOCs) at both state and district levels,' the government, in an office memorandum, dated May 7, told telecom operators ET has seen a copy of the memo.A top executive of Big 3 telco said DoT had briefed all telecom carriers on the required communications network security drill at a meeting Wednesday. 'All SOPs are being followed and all security measures are in place. All telcos will work together in a coordinated manner and ensure uninterrupted telecom services as per the government OM,' he added.DoT has specifically asked operators to maintain an updated list of critical telecoms infrastructure and installations in border districts and ensure their continued functionality during emergencies. 'Special emphasis may be paid to ensure uninterrupted working of mobile base stations (BTS) locations within 100 kms of the international border,' the DoT memorandum said.Telcos have also been told to keep adequate reserves of diesel for DG sets to generate unhindered power supply to telecoms infrastructure. They have been told to strategically deploy reserve teams, including repair crews with critical spares to enable fast restoration of telecom services in emergency scenarios.At press time, queries to Airtel , Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea (Vi) went unanswered.The DoT has also mandated operators to test their intra-circle roaming facilities and initiate requests to the DDG (disaster management) for activation of ICR as per regulations.Further, the government has called on carriers to ensure all activities are carried out in strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOP) 2020 for telecom services in disaster scenarios.'You are requested to keep DoT headquarters informed through timely updates on preparedness activities and coordination status,' the office memo said.Operators have also been told to facilitate coordination with state governments to ensure smooth logistical movement of telco teams during emergencies and to support efforts to safeguard critical telecoms infrastructure from potential threats. '
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