Recently, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) report assesses telecom network vulnerability to disasters and suggests measures for resilience and preparedness.

Importance of Telecom Networks in Disasters

• Disaster Response: Telecom networks are essential for disaster response, enabling communication between the State and National Disaster Management Authorities, local municipalities, and the State and Union governments.
• Coordination: Effective coordination through telecom ensures timely rescue and relief operations, crucial when lives and property are at risk.

Vulnerability of Telecom Infrastructure

• Cabling Risks: Many telecom cables are not fully underground, making them susceptible to damage.
• Tower Stability: Telecom towers may not be designed to withstand high wind speeds, increasing the risk of failure during cyclones and storms.
• Power Dependency: Networks require a steady electricity supply, which is often disrupted during disasters such as cyclones and earthquakes.

Challenges in Telecom Infrastructure During Disasters

• Structural Vulnerabilities: High-speed winds can damage telecom towers, leading to network failures. Unlike underground cables, overland cables are prone to snapping during disasters.
• Coastal Risks: Coastal regions face higher risks due to their role in housing undersea cable landing stations. Damage to landing stations can disrupt global internet connectivity, forcing telecom operators to reroute traffic through alternative cables.
• Power Supply Challenges: Power outages remain a critical issue during disasters, severely affecting network functionality. 
  • According to Sanjay Agrawal, Deputy Director General of Disaster Management (Department of Telecommunications), an analysis of telecom outages since 2016 identified power failures as the primary cause of network disruptions.
• Challenges in Undersea Cable Repairs: Repairing severed undersea cables requires a specialized repair vessel, which is a time-consuming process. Disruptions in undersea cables can severely impact internet connectivity, making alternative communication channels essential.
• Power Failures: Most telecom disruptions stem from power supply failures rather than physical damage. Telecom towers are designed with battery and fuel backups, except in cities like Mumbai, where uninterrupted power is assumed.
• Fuel Supply:  Pradeep Kumar Jena, former Odisha Chief Secretary, highlighted the need for fuel backup in emergencies. 
  • Authorities sometimes allocate 50 litres of fuel per telecom operator to sustain network operations. 
  • Even if some fuel is wasted, the ₹50 lakh spent on emergency fuel significantly helps keep networks functional.

Way Forward

• Real-Time Monitoring: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) receives real-time data on telecom asset damages during disasters. Specialized software helps monitor affected sites, ensuring quick deployment of resources to restore connectivity.
• Recommendations by CDRI: The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) has proposed several measures to strengthen telecom networks against disasters:
  • Improved Data Collection: Enhanced tracking and better coordination among officials to mitigate risks efficiently.
  • Strengthening Power Infrastructure: Focus on resilient power infrastructure to minimize disruptions during disasters.
  • Higher Wind-Resistant Towers: Coastal states must build towers capable of withstanding higher wind speeds.
• Dig-Once’ Policy: Encourages simultaneous underground construction of water, gas, drainage, and fibre optic networks. 
  • Reduces the risk of damaging underground telecom cables during future infrastructure projects. Prevents exacerbated disruptions when other parts of the network fail.
• Integrating Risk Modelling: The CDRI roadmap calls for:
  • Updating damage and loss data formats.
  • Mainstreaming disaster risk modelling into telecom planning.
  • Strengthening asset design based on hazard vulnerability.
• Parametric Insurance: Aims to reduce the commercial burden on telecom operators post-disaster. Financial incentives to restore networks rapidly and disaster-proof infrastructure.

Conclusion

Simple interventions can significantly boost network uptime: Raising diesel generators higher to prevent shutdowns during floods. Ensuring backup power is always accessible even in extreme weather.