Shimla 10 July. Disasters can cause huge loss of life and property. In the aftermath of a disaster, telecom services require top priority as it plays a vital role in rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures.
Department of Telecom HP LSA informed that during a disaster Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) can be activated in case of disruption in the telecom network. During disaster, mobile users can manually select network from device settings and can select the mobile network of any telecom operator from the available networks. They will connect to the network of other telecom operators which has coverage available and get mobile connectivity. A mobile user can make calls from the network of other telecom operator;s network in the affected areas.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had activated the Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) facility in the districts of Chamba, Kullu, Lahaul & Spiti, and the Thunag area of Mandi district following the disruption of telecom services caused
by torrential rains during the 2025 disaster in Himachal Pradesh.
Whenever the ICR facility is activated, the Department of Telecommunications issues a public advisory informing citizens about the affected areas where the facility is available and the duration for which the ICR arrangement will remain in
force.