India-Pakistan Conflict: Govt Directs Telcos To Strengthen Disaster Preparedness And Border Connectivity

In a move to tighten national security and emergency preparedness, the government has directed all telecom operators – both private and state-run – to strengthen network infrastructure, especially near India's international borders. According to a Moneycontrol report, the Ministry of Communications has asked telecom service providers (TSPs) to ensure uninterrupted connectivity during disasters and emergencies, with special attention to border districts and Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) at state and district levels.

The order, issued during a meeting on May 7, emphasises disaster-level preparedness and seamless coordination among telcos. The ministry specifically instructed operators to safeguard critical telecom installations within 100 km of international borders. A list of such crucial sites is to be maintained and updated regularly to ensure timely action in case of any threat or disruption.

To support these efforts, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has asked its local LSA (Licensed Service Area) heads to work closely with state governments. Their role will include helping telecom companies move their teams and equipment quickly during emergencies and providing security support for vulnerable infrastructure.

All telecom companies have been reminded to follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) laid out in 2020 for disaster situations. The ministry stressed that this directive is urgent and must be followed without delay.

Telcos are also required to keep enough diesel reserves for generator sets to avoid power outages at mobile towers and key communication sites. Additionally, companies must position repair teams and backup parts at strategic locations to allow quick restoration of services when needed.

Operators have been told to carry out thorough testing of communication equipment, backup lines, and media paths to ensure everything is functioning as expected. They must also test the Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) feature and activate it as per the disaster management policy when required.

Meanwhile, the government’s cyber agency CERT-In has also issued alerts to financial institutions and critical sectors amid a rise in cyberattacks. The urgency around network security has grown, pulling both government and private players into a heightened state of alert.

No official responses were received from Reliance Jio, Airtel, Vodafone Idea, BSNL, or the DoT regarding the latest directives.

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