BTRC stresses need for disaster-ready telecom infrastructure
A coordination meeting was held at the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) headquarters in Agargaon on Tuesday afternoon to review challenges in managing telecommunication infrastructure during disasters and explore urgent mitigation measures.
Chaired by Brigadier General Iqbal Ahmed (Retd), Commissioner of the Engineering and Operations Division of BTRC, the meeting brought together representatives from key government bodies, private telecom operators, and disaster management agencies. Participants unanimously recommended formulating a sustainable, national-level policy to safeguard telecom infrastructure in the face of natural disasters.
Brigadier General Shafiul Azam Parvez, Director General of BTRC's Engineering and Operations Department, outlined critical issues that arise during disasters, including prolonged power outages, network breakdowns, damaged fibre and microwave links, disrupted broadband and data centres, fuel shortages for backup generators, and a lack of technician access to remote areas.
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Representatives from mobile network operators and Nationwide Telecommunication Transmission Network (NTTN) providers stressed the need to categorise telecom services as "emergency services". They called for enhanced coordination with the Power Development Board and Rural Electrification Board to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during emergencies.
The Bangladesh Satellite Company emphasised the importance of permanently installing VSAT equipment, generators, and solar panels in high-risk zones, utilising data from the Planning Commission's disaster vulnerability maps. Tower sharing companies urged BTRC to issue directives for setting up permanent generators at key tower locations and recommended colour-coding disaster-prone areas to prioritise infrastructure investment.
The Rural Electrification Board noted the necessity of disconnecting power lines in rural areas due to falling trees and shared plans to reinforce transmission infrastructure with new designs and insulators in coastal regions.
The Department of Disaster Management welcomed the suggestions and invited stakeholders to submit their recommendations for inclusion in the government's upcoming five-year disaster management plan.
Brigadier General Iqbal Ahmed emphasised the need for operators to address their respective vulnerabilities and work collectively to integrate telecom needs into the broader national disaster response framework. "Only through structured planning, cross-agency collaboration, and categorised problem-solving can we ensure a resilient telecommunication system during emergencies," he said.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Armed Forces Division, the Bangladesh Power Development Board, the Submarine Cable Company, the Meteorological Department, internet and satellite operators, as well as other stakeholders.
