Department of Telecommunications Activates Intra Circle Roaming in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and Nagaland amid Heavy Rainfall, Cloudburst and Landslides

Why in news

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has activated Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) in specific districts of Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and Nagaland to ensure uninterrupted telecom connectivity during a disaster situation caused by heavy rainfall, cloudburst, and landslides.

Exam relevance

GS3 · Disaster Management, Governance · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has activated Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR).
2. The activation is in response to severe disruption of communication networks caused by heavy rainfall, cloudburst, and landslides.
3. The affected regions are Jammu & Kashmir (Poonch and Rajouri), Assam (Sibsagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat), and Nagaland (Mon).
4. ICR allows mobile subscribers of any telecom service provider to access another available network if their home network is unavailable.
5. This facility is also available to visitors in the affected districts.
6. The measure aims to enhance communication for residents, disaster response teams, healthcare personnel, and government agencies.

Prelims pointers

• Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) has been activated by the Department of Telecommunications.
• The activation is for specific districts in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and Nagaland.
• The activation is a measure to ensure telecom connectivity during natural disasters like heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, and landslides.
• ICR allows subscribers to use networks of other telecom providers if their own network is unavailable.

Mains practice question

Examine the role of telecommunication infrastructure in disaster management and discuss the significance of measures like Intra-Circle Roaming activation in ensuring effective communication during natural calamities.

Static linkage

Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) is a facility provided by telecom operators that allows subscribers of one operator to use the network of another operator within the same telecom circle (or license area). This is typically used to ensure service continuity when a subscriber travels outside their home network's coverage area or when the home network experiences disruptions. In disaster situations, activating ICR can be a crucial measure to maintain communication infrastructure.

Significance

The activation of ICR in disaster-affected areas is significant for several reasons: 1. **Disaster Response:** It ensures that essential personnel like disaster response teams, healthcare workers, and government agencies can maintain communication, which is vital for coordinating relief and rescue efforts. 2. **Public Communication:** Affected residents can stay connected with their families and access critical information, reducing panic and facilitating aid. 3. **Resilience:** It demonstrates the proactive measures taken by the government and telecom authorities to build resilience in communication networks during emergencies. 4. **Service Continuity:** It minimizes the impact of network outages on individuals and businesses in the affected regions.