Gujarat is going through a difficult phase of heavy rainfall leading to flooding. According to the weather department, the “intense wet period” will continue in the coming days. At a time like this, people desperately need telecom connectivity. But flooding causes damage to telecom infrastructure very realistically and leads to loss of connectivity, which can be very dangerous for many.
The Association of Digital Infrastructure Providers (DIPA) has urged the government of Gujarat to ensure that telecom connectivity in the state is not lost. The agency, which represents companies such as Summit Digitel, Tower Vision, Sterlite Technologies, Space Tele Infra, Suyog Telematics, iBus Network and more, has written to Pankaj Kumar, IAS Chief Secretary of the Government of Gujarat, seeking support for a smooth telecom operations and maintaining 27*7 telecom connectivity in the state.
DIPA asks for help from Gujarat Govt to ensure continuous telecom connectivity
TR Dua, director general of DIPA, said the body’s IP members are closely monitoring the situation and are working with state officials to take appropriate measures to minimize the impact of the floods.
Dua added: “All necessary steps such as readiness of Cell on Wheels (CoWs), arrangement of spare batteries, sufficient supply of diesel and DG sets (both fixed and mobile), readiness of teams to repair the probable damage to telecom installations and housing for the telecom staff at the stations has been arranged.”
The body only wants government support to allow unrestricted movement of telecom infrastructure provider (IP-1) frontline workers/technicians to access telecom tower sites for operation and maintenance work. Connectivity at a time like this this is very necessary as it would allow users to get the latest information on the floods, affected areas and more. Furthermore, in case of emergency, a connection to the police and hospitals is a very crucial need, as time is the key, and without good connectivity it will not be possible.
