Telcos working to restore full connectivity in Kashmir

Telecommunications companies are working all out to restore connectivity in flood-ravaged Jammu and Kashmir so that stranded people can communicate and rescue operations could be expedited.

The devastation caused by unprecedented rain, floods and landslides across the state also resulted in massive damage to telecom infrastructure, crippling communications.

"Airtel network has been restored in many critical areas across the state including Jammu, Kargil, Ladakh and Leh. A few sites in the region continue to be submerged in water and inaccessible, thus impacting restoration efforts.

"Inter operator roaming has been configured - thus allowing customers to make calls by latching onto other networks in areas where Airtel network is yet to be restored," an Airtel spokesperson said.

Airtel said it has also set up free calling stations at various relief camps and mobile phone charging stations are being made available at restored tower sites. "This will help people recharge their handsets, specifically in areas suffering an electricity outage," the spokesperson added.

A Reliance Communications (RCOM) spokesperson said the company's network and technology teams are working closely with state authorities and paramilitary forces to restore many more sites at the soonest.

"RCOM BTS (base transceiver stations) in many critically-hit areas are now up and running in Jammu and Kashmir, including four towers in the worst-hit south Kashmir area. RCOM's wireless network is up and running at all relief camp sites in the Srinagar area," the spokesperson added.

Aircel is working together with the local administration and the army to restore 2G network in the city and to ensure no outages reoccur on their 3G network, which is presently up and running in Srinagar, the company said in a statement.

"Aircel has offered its network to all other mobile service operators to help the people of Jammu and Kashmir to connect with their families and friends. In this need of the hour, Aircel has also set up mobile charging units and calling booths to offer the stranded flood victims the facility to make free calls to their homes or families and friends," the statement added.

State-run telecom service provider Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has said all out efforts are being made on war footing for restoration of its telecom network.

"Mobile communication network in most parts of Anantnag, Pulwama and Budgam districts in Srinagar SSA, Poonch and Rajouri in Rajouri SSA and in Jammu SSA have been severely affected," a BSNL statement said.

"BSNL's task force team is working day and night in cooperation with the army and the state Government to restore telecom services, particularly in Kashmir valley. Whereas, telecom services in other regions of J&K state have become normal," it added.