Cyclone Nilofar: DoT announces measures for telecom services

The cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall on the morning of October 31 at Gujarat coast

The government has asked all telecom operators in Gujarat to share infrastructure through intra-circle roaming arrangements for 15 days as it announces advisory measures for restoring communication facilities in the event of the state being hit by cyclone Nilofar.

The cyclonic storm Nilofar is expected to make landfall on the morning of October 31 at Gujarat coast.

The Department of Telecom (DoT) said as per per available information, districts of Kutch, Jamnagar, Junagarh and Porbandar are likely to be affected.

In a letter dated October 27, the DoT said, "All access providers are hereby directed to take steps for immediate maintenance and restoration of telecommunication facilities in these areas and to facilitate the knowledge of well being of relatives in these areas."

The other measures include setting up call centres in Gujarat with helpline number 1948 for telecom services and missing persons and the number should be accessible from other service areas.

The operators are asked to transmit messages or advisories through SMS from government/NDMA and Met Department to all subscribers in the state.

"Endeavour shall be made to provide wi-fi hotspots in relief camps being organised by respective state government on the lines of facilities provided during recent J&K floods," it said.

The DoT said all national long distance service providers and VSAT providers shall also extend help to meet the challenge by sharing infrastructure for immediate restoration of telecommunication facilities.