Telcos Go on High Alert To Secure Border Connectivity After Government's Emergency Directive

Telecom companies across India have swung into action after the government issued fresh disaster-readiness orders to ensure uninterrupted mobile and internet services, especially near the country’s international borders. The Ministry of Communications, in a letter dated May 7, directed all telecom providers to activate emergency protocols and keep vital networks – including Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) – fully functional in case of any crisis amidst the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict.

The government’s latest advisory places particular emphasis on maintaining continuous operations of telecom towers located within 100 km of international borders. These base transceiver station (BTS) towers are considered critical for national security and disaster management. Telecom operators – both private and state-run – have confirmed they are actively following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) 2020 laid down for disaster scenarios.

“All systems are in place and SOPs are being followed since the directive came from the ministry,” said a senior executive from a leading telecom company.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has instructed all operators to be on high alert and prepare for any emergencies. This includes updating lists of critical telecom infrastructure, stocking diesel for generator sets to power telecom equipment, and ensuring teams are ready with backup hardware and maintenance resources.

To ensure smooth communication during crises, DoT’s Licensed Service Area (LSA) heads have been told to work closely with state governments. They will help telecom teams move freely in emergency zones and protect vital infrastructure from potential disruptions.

In its communication, the ministry also said that if the Ministry of Defence requests specific communication setups on any given day, they must be activated immediately without fail.

All telecom companies have been ordered to test communication equipment, network paths, and their Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) facilities. These steps are aimed at ensuring networks stay up and running even if one operator’s network faces disruption, by allowing users to connect through other available networks in the area.

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