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DoT Secy assures support for continuity of telecom networks and infrastructure

January 07, 2022

K. Rajaraman, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications (DoT) responds to T.R. Dua, Director General, Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA), Lt. Gen. Dr SP Kochhar, Director General (COAI) and others urging DoT to support continuity of telecommunication networks and infrastructure during the looming third wave of COVID-19:

“In the context of restrictions being imposed by States/UTs, in compliance to the letter from Ministry of Home Affairs vide no.40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 27th December 2021, to deal with the situation arising due to Covid-19 as well as increased detection of the Variant of Concern (Voc), ‘Omicron’, your attention is drawn to the urgent requirement of facilitating operations of Telecom Services so that the same are available without interruption to all concerned. I am grateful for the prompt action and necessary arrangements made during the last COVID lockdown in accordance to the DO Letter 25-1/2019-AS Dated 27 April 2021.

In this regard, we have received references from, inter-alia, Cellular Operators’ Association of India (COAI), Digital Infrastructure Providers Association (DIPA), Internet Service Providers Associations of India (ISPAI) etc. requesting us to take up with the States/UTs for recognizing Telecom Services as essential service and seeking facilitation to enable uninterrupted services of Telecommunications Infrastructure, Mobile/ Broadband/Internet services, Telephone Exchanges, Mobile Switching Centers, Network Operation Centers, Telecom tower sites, Data Centers, Call Centers of TSPS/ISPs and warehouses where maintenance spares are stored.

Accordingly, Telecommunications Services, being essential services, require all support so that Telecommunications, Broadband/ Internet Services can be provided without interruption and telecom infrastructure are maintained, thereby enabling all of us to remain connected during any lockdown. Millions of citizens are engaged in work from home. Large number of traders run businesses via e-commerce platforms needing digital connectivity.

I therefore request that staff/personnel/field engineers of TSPS, ISPs, Infrastructure Providers (IP1s), their Partners (OEMs) and optical fiber maintenance entities may be exempted from the e-pass process and movement is allowed on production of valid Company ID card under essential service category. Further, the personnel engaged in providing and maintaining these services be accorded permissions including for travel by local trains/ public transport/ own transport. I have directed the Sr. DDG of the LSA to coordinate with your office for the same.”