The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is working with service providers to restore essential communication services in the affected areas after Cyclone Arnab caused significant damage.
Following the impact of Cyclone Arnab along the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is collaborating with telecom service providers to restore essential communication services. The cyclone led to widespread heavy rainfall, flash floods, tree falls, and power infrastructure disruptions that affected telecom services across parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and adjoining regions.
Significant progress has been made in restoring network connectivity across the affected areas. The focus is on resolving power supply disruptions and restoring optical fibre connectivity. Emergency connectivity arrangements, including ICR and COW deployments, are being maintained to ensure uninterrupted communication for citizens and support relief and restoration activities.
In Andhra Pradesh, the overall telecom network availability has reached 99.18 percent. Among the affected districts, network availability stands at 98.5 per cent in West Godavari, and 91.96 per cent in Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema. Commercial power supply disruptions and localised Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) cuts are the primary factors affecting network operations. Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) remains operational across affected districts to facilitate connectivity for subscribers, irrespective of their service provider. Additionally, 11 Cell on Wheels (COWs) have been deployed to strengthen emergency communication services.
In Odisha, the telecom network situation in Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal districts has been gradually improving as rainfall eases and floodwaters recede. Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have initiated restoration work at affected sites, resulting in progressive improvement in network connectivity and a reduction in service disruptions.
To utilize Intra Circle Roaming (ICR), mobile users should ensure 'Automatic Network Selection' is enabled in their phone settings. If automatic connection fails, they can manually select another available network.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
