Strengthening telecom networks ensures resilience during disasters

Source: The post Strengthening telecom networks ensures resilience during disasters has been created, based on the article “On building resilient telecom infrastructure” published in “The Hindu” on 20th February 2025.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Disaster Management

Context: The article discusses how disasters impact telecom networks and how to protect them. It highlights power failures, damaged cables, and high-speed winds as major risks. It suggests solutions like stronger infrastructure, better planning, underground cables, and financial support to ensure telecom resilience during disasters.

Why Are Telecom Networks Important During Disasters?

1. The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) released a report on improving telecom networks in disasters.
2. The report, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, addresses the vulnerabilities of telecom infrastructure during calamities like cyclones and earthquakes.
3. Telecom networks help disaster management authorities communicate quickly. This is crucial when lives and property are at risk.
4. They connect local municipalities with State and Union governments. A working telecom system ensures faster coordination and response.

For detailed information on Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure read this article hear

How Do Disasters Impact Telecom Networks?

1. Damage to Towers: High-speed winds can break towers.
2. Cable Breakage: Overland cables can snap, disrupting communication.
3. Undersea Cable Issues: Coastal regions are vulnerable because they connect India to the global internet. Damaged landing stations can cause major disruptions.
4. Power Failures: Most disruptions happen due to electricity loss. Data analysis since 2016 shows power issues are the main reason for telecom failures.

What Immediate Steps Can Be Taken to Reduce Disruptions?

1. Ensure Power Supply: Power failures are the main cause of outages, so restoring electricity is crucial.
2. Provide Emergency Fuel: Odisha officials give 50 litres of fuel to telecom operators to keep networks running.
3. Use Real-Time Monitoring: The Department of Telecommunications tracks outages and directs resources quickly.
4. Raise Generator Placement: Keeping diesel generators above flood levels prevents failures.

How Can Networks Be Strengthened for Long-Term Resilience?

1. Build Stronger Towers: Coastal towers should withstand high wind speeds to reduce damage.
2. Implement Underground Cables: The “dig-once” policy protects telecom infrastructure from surface-level damage.
3. Use Disaster Risk Modelling: Telecom planning should include hazard vulnerability assessments.
4. Adopt Parametric Insurance: Financial protection ensures quick recovery and better disaster-proofing.
5. Stronger Coordination: Sharing real-time damage reports helps in faster repairs.

Conclusion

Disaster-proof telecom networks need strong infrastructure, smart planning, and financial support. Small but effective changes can prevent major failures. Investing in resilience will help India’s telecom networks stay operational during emergencies.

Question for practice:

Discuss the impact of disasters on telecom networks and the measures to enhance their resilience.