DoT activates Intra-Circle Roaming in J&K, Assam, Nagaland amid heavy rains
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has activated Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and Nagaland following heavy rains, cloudbursts, and landslides that disrupted communication networks. This emergency measure ensures seamless connectivity for residents, relief teams, and government agencies in affected districts.
Background
Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) is a telecom arrangement allowing mobile subscribers to automatically use another operator's network within the same circle when their home network is unavailable. DoT activates ICR during disasters to maintain communication continuity.
Key facts
DoT activated ICR in Jammu & Kashmir (Poonch, Rajouri), Assam (Sibsagar, Charaideo, Jorhat), and Nagaland (Monday district).
ICR enables subscribers of any telecom provider to automatically use another available network where their home network is temporarily unavailable.
The facility is also available to subscribers visiting these districts from other parts of the country.
DoT issued directions to all telecom service providers to enable ICR in the specified districts.
DoT is monitoring the situation through field units and coordinating with service providers for quick restoration.
ICR is critical when mobile infrastructure is damaged during natural disasters.
Users should keep 'automatic network selection' on; if connection fails, manually select another available network via Settings > Mobile Networks > Network Operator.
Prelims pointers
- Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR)
- Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
- Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland
- Poonch, Rajouri, Sibsagar, Charaideo, Jorhat, Monday
- Disaster management telecom measures
Mains angles
- Role of telecom in disaster management and emergency response
- Government measures to ensure communication continuity during natural calamities
- Intra-Circle Roaming as a tool for network resilience