DoT and CDRI Unveil New Framework to Enhance Telecom Resilience in India

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in collaboration with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), has introduced the Disaster Risk and Resilience Assessment Framework (DRRAF) to strengthen India’s telecom sector against natural disasters. This initiative represents a crucial step towards enhancing disaster preparedness, ensuring uninterrupted communication, and fortifying the country’s telecom infrastructure against potential disruptions.

The study, conducted across Assam, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat, assesses disaster risks affecting telecom networks and proposes resilience strategies. The DoT coordinated with State Governments, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), and Infrastructure Providers to facilitate data collection and ensure a comprehensive evaluation of potential vulnerabilities.

Strengthening Disaster Preparedness in Telecommunications

Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom) and Chairman of the Digital Communications Commission (DCC), emphasized that telecom resilience is a national priority. He reaffirmed DoT’s commitment to maintaining seamless connectivity before, during, and after disasters, in alignment with the United Nations’ Early Warning for All by 2027 initiative. He urged government agencies, telecom operators, and disaster management bodies to collaborate in reinforcing India’s telecom infrastructure.

Manish Sinha, Member (F), DoT, reiterated the critical role of telecommunications in disaster response. He highlighted that technological advancements have significantly improved emergency communication systems, and the study’s insights will help minimize service disruptions, strengthen infrastructure, and enhance response mechanisms.

Industry and Government Collaboration for Telecom Resilience

Sanjay Agrawal, DDG (DM), DoT, acknowledged the valuable contributions of industry associations such as DIPA, COAI, IBF, and government agencies like NDMA and SDMAs. Their collective efforts ensured that the study’s recommendations are both technically sound and practically feasible for real-world implementation.

CDRI Director General Amit Prothi underscored the telecom sector’s substantial contribution to India’s GDP and economic stability. He emphasized that resilient telecom networks are vital for disaster response and continuous communication, positioning the framework as a globally scalable model with best practices for resilient telecom infrastructure.

Key Findings and Recommendations

The study conducted a multi-hazard risk assessment of 0.77 million telecom towers, mapping risks from floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and other disasters. A disaster risk and resilience index was developed to evaluate telecom infrastructure vulnerability based on disaster intensity, frequency, and impact.

The report outlines strategic recommendations, including:

• Strengthening infrastructure to withstand extreme weather conditions.
• Developing a centralized disaster risk repository for data-driven decision-making.
• Integrating resilience measures into telecom sector policies.
• Establishing financial risk-sharing instruments for telecom operators.
• Promoting satellite-based communication and High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) for disaster-prone regions.
• Enhancing last-mile connectivity for emergency communication.
• Strengthening regulatory frameworks to facilitate rapid service restoration.
• Leveraging digital solutions for improved disaster response.
• A Roadmap for a Resilient Telecom Ecosystem

By implementing these measures, India’s telecom sector will be better equipped to withstand natural disasters, ensuring continuous connectivity and swift service recovery. With DoT’s leadership and a collaborative approach involving multiple stakeholders, this roadmap will empower India’s telecom ecosystem to anticipate, respond to, and recover from disasters effectively.

This initiative aligns with CDRI’s broader vision of integrating resilience into telecom infrastructure policies and fostering global cooperation for disaster-ready communication networks.

Source: PIB