Telecom Authorities and Operators Restore Networks in Cyclone-Hit Andhra Pradesh and Odisha

The Department of Telecommunications and telecom operators are working to restore communication networks in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha affected by Cyclone Arnab. Emergency connectivity measures, including Intra-Circle Roaming, have been deployed to support ongoing relief efforts.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in coordination with telecom service providers, is undertaking restoration efforts and monitoring network situations to ensure essential communication continuity following Cyclone Arnab. The cyclone hit the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, bringing heavy rain, flash floods, fallen trees, and power disruptions that impacted telecom services.

According to an official release issued on Friday, emergency connectivity arrangements are being maintained in the affected regions. These arrangements include Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) and Cell on Wheel deployments to facilitate uninterrupted communication for citizens and support relief and restoration operations.

In Andhra Pradesh, overall network availability has reached 99.18 percent. Network availability in specific affected districts stands at 98.5 percent in West Godavari and 91.96 percent in Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema. Authorities noted that commercial power supply disruptions and localised optical fibre cable cuts remain the primary hurdles to full restoration.

In Odisha, the situation in the Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal districts is gradually improving as rain eases and floodwaters recede. Telecom service providers have initiated restoration work at affected sites, leading to progressive improvements in network connectivity and a reduction in service disruptions.

The DoT stated that all telecom operators are making sustained efforts on a priority basis to restore the remaining affected sites. The objective is to achieve early normalisation of telecom services and ensure uninterrupted connectivity for the public in the aftermath of the cyclone.

"Maintaining robust communication infrastructure during natural disasters is critical for economic stability and emergency response. The rapid deployment of measures like Intra-Circle Roaming by the Department of Telecommunications and operators in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha highlights the importance of operational resilience and business continuity planning for critical infrastructure providers when faced with sudden environmental disruptions." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes