Vodafone network up and running in Fani hit Odisha

India's no 1 carrier Vodafone Idea said Thursday that it had been able to revive over 1500 sites in cyclone hit Odisha, becoming the first operator to restore services in key locations in Puri.

The state took the brunt of cyclone Fani last week, among the worst to hit the country since 1999, which displaced millions and killed over 40, while destroying infrastructure, including telecommunication networks.

"Over 1500 sites have been revived since the day the cyclone hit the coast, enabling not just Vodafone Idea customers but almost 4.5 lakh mobile users of other operators also to use the VIL network on ICR (intra-circle roaming)," the carrier said in a statement on Thursday.


It added that both its 3G and 4G services were up and running, owing to proactive planning, 24x7 network monitoring and close working with various government authorities, partners and other operators.

Telcos including Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio had rolled out free messaging services, special loan plans of up to Rs 10 and set up war rooms and emergency intra-circle roaming pacts between themselves, while trying to ensure network outages remain the bare minimum. Telcos had also ensured that availability of diesel generator sets and fuel for running towers.

Cyclone Fani affected Odisha, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh and over one million people were evacuated from sensitive areas in these states. The state government is also monitoring the rehabilitation process.