Telcos trying to restore mobile connectivity in Vizag

Mobile operators are working jointly to restore mobile connectivity in the affected areas of Andhra Pradesh's Vizag after the devastating cyclone Hudhud, the Cellular Operators' Association of India (COAI) said here Thursday.

The operators engaged in restoration work are Aircel, Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular and Vodafone.

"After being hit severely by the cyclone which caused severe damage to telecom infrastructure, thereby impacting networks across all operators in a huge way, the telecom industry is working collectively to put its network back online," the COAI statement said.

"The operators are working together to restore the services and help reach out to the people in need. Enabling seamless connectivity for easy communication with loved ones remains the priority of the industry. We are hopeful that soon most of the network in the affected areas will be restored to normalcy in terms of connectivity and services," said COAI director general Rajan S. Mathews in the statement.

Some special services have been made available to the people by the telecom operators. Customers in Vizag, Srikakulam and Vizainagaram will be credited 30 free minutes, operators are offering an advance talk time facility up to Rs.50 for customers to continue mobile usage and inter operator roaming has been configured helping customers of both operators to make and receive calls.

Also, PCOs have been put across relief camps facilitating free calling for everyone and mobile phone charging stations are being made available at restored tower sites for the people's benefits, the statement said.