On building resilient telecom infrastructure

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure

Context

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

 Introduction to the Report

• The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), launched in 2019, released a report assessing how well Indian telecom networks can withstand disasters.
• The report suggests ways for State governments to improve telecom network resilience during calamities.

Importance of Telecom Networks in Disasters

• Telecom networks play a crucial role in disaster response by enabling quick communication between authorities at different levels.
• Disruptions in telecom services can delay critical response efforts, putting lives and property at risk.
• These networks are vulnerable due to overhead cables, exposed towers, and dependency on electricity, all of which can be impacted by disasters like cyclones and earthquakes.

Impact of Disasters on Telecom Networks

• High-speed winds can damage towers, while overland cables can snap, leading to service disruptions.
• Coastal areas are especially vulnerable, as undersea cables connect India to the global internet. If these cables or landing stations are affected, there can be widespread network failures.
• Power failures during disasters are a major challenge, often being the primary reason for telecom outages.

Challenges in Restoring Telecom Services

• Severed undersea cables require specialized repair ships, leading to a slow restoration process.
• Restoring power to telecom towers and network centers is critical for maintaining connectivity during disasters.
• Telecom towers typically rely on backup batteries and fuel generators, but fuel shortages during disasters can affect their functionality.
• Real-time monitoring software helps authorities track network outages and allocate resources to restore services.

Recommendations for Strengthening Telecom Resilience

• Improving Power Infrastructure: Strengthening electricity supply to telecom networks can reduce disruptions.
• Building Stronger Towers: Cell towers, especially in coastal areas, should be designed to withstand high wind speeds.
• Enhancing Coordination: Better data collection and improved coordination between telecom operators and disaster management agencies can speed up restoration efforts.
• Dig-Once Policy: Encouraging simultaneous installation of underground utilities like water, gas, drainage, and fiber-optic cables reduces the risk of damage during infrastructure projects.
• Disaster Risk Modelling: Integrating disaster risk assessments into telecom infrastructure planning can improve preparedness.
• Parametric Insurance: Financial mechanisms like parametric insurance can help telecom operators recover faster from disasters and encourage better disaster-proofing of infrastructure.

Conclusion

• Small investments, such as installing backup generators at higher elevations to prevent flood damage, can significantly improve network resilience.
• Effective planning and proactive measures can ensure telecom networks remain functional during disasters, enabling better emergency response.

Practice Question:  How can India enhance the resilience of its telecom infrastructure to withstand natural disasters and ensure uninterrupted communication during emergencies? (250 Words /15 marks)

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