What is the issue?
- There were major failures in communications services during the recent Kerala floods.
- It highlights the lack of preparedness on the part of telecom operators, policy-makers and disaster management agencies.
Why are communication services crucial?
- During a crisis situation well coordinated communication network is a must to mitigate the disaster risk.
- Such an infrastructure, functioning during a crisis, can significantly enhance the resilience of communities exposed to risk.
- The Department of Telecom has laid out a Standard Operating Procedure with clear instructions in this regard.
- However, the fragility of country’s communications infrastructure in reality exposes the huge gap between the plan and practice.
How can this be dealt with?
- Disaster proofing of telecommunication is an essential prerequisite to ensure hassle-free rescue efforts.
- Location of equipments - Optimum location that is least exposed to risk can reduce damage.
- It can also make telecommunication installations less susceptible to natural disasters.
- E.g. Equipments should be installed in buildings in higher locations where the risk of flooding is reduced.
- Basements should be avoided as sites for equipment and reserve generators.
- Autonomous power supply - This is the backbone of telecommunication network.
- Besides, there should be sufficient fuel for back-up generators as power outages can be prolonged.
- Data Services - Servers should be geographically dispersed and network elements can be based on a cloud platform.
- As terrestrial network gets damaged during disasters operators should provide mobile base stations and backpack devices.
- Priority needs to be given to designated users engaged in relief operations as the data traffic tends to increase during crisis situations.
- Other steps to achieve the objective of disaster proofing include -
- earthquake-proofing towers in known risk areas
- developing a satellite-based system to provide back-up communications and data connectivity
What is the international practice in this regard?
- The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) - Telecommunication Development Bureau has provided the following guidelines to the countries to mitigate the disaster -
- Ensuring disaster reduction strategies as part of the communication development plans
- Helping developing countries with emergency telecommunications during disasters
- Working with developing countries and the private sector to rebuild or develop communication systems that will bring the benefits of the information society to all
What is the way forward?
- As India is aspiring to be a global digital power it has to provide a dependable communications network to its citizens during all times.
- India needs to collaborate with all stakeholders, at both local and global levels to build an all-weather communication network.
Source: BusinessLine
