The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is reportedly exploring the use of drones and tethered balloons to restore 5G connectivity in times of disaster. According to a report in Economic Times (ET), quoting officials, the DoT is considering using drones and tethered balloons for restoring 5G connectivity during emergencies and natural calamities when normal telecom services get severely disrupted.
This initiative aims to provide temporary 5G network in situations where natural disasters or emergencies disrupt regular telecom services.
DoT plans to conduct trials in the coming months to assess the effectiveness of this approach. The department expects to finalize its decision by June of next year. “The plan is to leverage tethered balloons or drones to establish a temporary 5G network, offering mobile coverage during emergencies and disasters,” an official informed ET.
Why balloons and drones
This method is said to be particularly useful in providing 5G connectivity during natural disasters and remote emergencies like accidents. Compared to setting up entirely new mobile towers, the government considers drones and balloons a more convenient option for disaster response.
Industry experts believe existing telecom spectrum can be utilized for such temporary networks. Additionally, power requirements could be met through backup solutions or solar technology.
The DoT’s disaster management unit plays a crucial role in ensuring uninterrupted communication during and after disasters. This includes ensuring network connectivity, providing early warnings to users, and implementing automated priority call routing during emergencies.
DoT coordinates with all stakeholders, including telecom operators, to swiftly restore connectivity. This may involve temporary network setups or repairs to damaged infrastructure.
The government has already mandated infrastructure sharing amongst telecom companies for disaster preparedness. This allows users to connect to any functioning tower in the affected area, regardless of ownership.
Power issue can be tackled
Power outages are a frequent cause of network disruptions during disasters. The government mandates that operators maintain power backups for such situations. Additionally, regulations require telecom companies to have a minimum stock of portable base stations and satellite equipment to restore service in case of damaged towers.
The DoT believes that incorporating drones and balloons into their disaster response strategy will further enhance communication during emergencies.
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