Restoration Efforts Underway for Telecom Services Post-Cyclone Arnab

Following the impact of Cyclone Arnab, the government is focused on restoring telecom services in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Heavy rains and floods have disrupted communication, but significant progress has been made in re-establishing connectivity. Emergency measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted communication for citizens. The Department of Telecommunications is collaborating with service providers to address power supply issues and restore optical fiber connections. As conditions improve, efforts continue to normalize services swiftly, highlighting the importance of Intra Circle Roaming during such disasters.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 31, 2026, 12:24 IST

Telecom Restoration Efforts Following Cyclone Arnab

Photo: IANS

New Delhi, Oct 31: The government is actively working on restoring telecom services and monitoring the network situation to maintain essential communication in areas impacted by Cyclone Arnab, which struck the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

Heavy rainfall, flash floods, fallen trees, and disruptions to power infrastructure have severely affected telecom services in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and nearby regions.

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is collaborating with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to facilitate restoration efforts.

According to the Ministry of Communications, significant advancements have been made in re-establishing network connectivity in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, particularly in addressing power supply issues and restoring optical fiber connections.

To ensure uninterrupted communication for citizens and support relief efforts, emergency connectivity measures, including Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) and Cell on Wheels (COW) deployments, are being maintained, as stated by the ministry.

In Andhra Pradesh, the overall availability of telecom networks has reached 99.18%.

In Odisha, the telecom network situation in the districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal is gradually improving as rainfall decreases and floodwaters recede.

Telecom Service Providers have commenced restoration activities at affected locations, leading to a steady enhancement in network connectivity and a decrease in service interruptions. All TSPs are prioritizing efforts to restore the remaining affected sites and ensure the swift normalization of telecom services for the public, as informed by the ministry.

Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) allows mobile users to connect to another operator's network within the same telecom circle, ensuring access to mobile services even when their own operator lacks coverage in that area. This arrangement is crucial during natural disasters when mobile infrastructure is compromised.

In the event of damage to mobile infrastructure during a disaster, the DoT instructs Telecom Service Providers to implement ICR.