Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to the effects of global warming. A recent study by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) highlights that natural disasters have significantly impacted the telecom sector in Bangladesh, with more than 30% of telecom infrastructure affected annually by cyclones, floods, and other natural calamities over the past five years. The frequency of these disasters has increased by 25% since 2010, causing widespread disruption to network services across the country.
The rising occurrence of such disasters present a growing challenge for mobile operators and tower companies like EDOTCO. These disasters lead to prolonged outages, damage to equipment, and significant economic losses, under- scoring the crucial role of tower companies in maintaining uninterrupted connectivity, especially in times of crisis.
The Feni Flood: A Case Study on EDOTCO's Response to Network Recovery During Disaster
The recent flood in Feni exemplified the severity of the natural disasters that Bangladesh has faced in recent decades. Triggered by heavy rainfall and water releases from India, the flood caused widespread damage, displacing thousands of families and severely impacting property, crops, and infrastructure. Floodwaters damaged power lines, causing extended blackouts in many areas, with the flood lasting over 15 consecutive days.
According to Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC) report, over 4500 site were complete- ly inoperable due to power outage in the first 72 hours. In Feni, 92% of mobile towers were out of service from August 23, 2024 due to excessive flooding. The BTRC also reported that 1,235 mobile towers in 10 flood-affected districts - including Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Cumilla, Brahmanbaria, Chattogram, Khagrachhari, Habiganj, Moulvibazar, and Sylhet - were rendered non-operational.
Despite these challenges, EDOTCO's Operations team swiftly responded to minimize the equipment damage and restore connectivity. The team conducted rapid site mapping and deployed resources on a priority basis, continuously monitoring the flood situation. The flood affected 1,148 tower sites across seven zones, with most sites losing network connectivity due to power outages. Nevertheless, EDOTCO maintained operations at 270 sites using diesel genera- tors (DGs) and supported an additional 290 sites with portable generators (PGS). The company deployed 14 trucks, 29 tractors, 115 boats, and 93 vans to ensure power supply in the affected areas. Within ten days, EDOTCO had successful- ly recovered all the sites, and restoring network connectivity. In addition to its restoration efforts, EDOTCO's field teams collaborated with the Bangladesh Army, local authorities, and relief organizations.
Setting Industry Benchmark for Excellence
EDOTCO Bangladesh has established itself as a leader response by taking proactive measures to protect people and infrastruc- ture. When disaster strikes, the company's network infrastructure management team immediately mobilizes to minimize damage and ensure uninterrupted service.
The EDOTCO team operates a 24/7 centralized war room to monitor situation in real-time. Expert technicians and engineers are strategically deployed with suitable equipment, and cell sites are equipped with automated alarm systems that detect power loss or connectivity disrup- tions. This real-time tracking enables the team to address issues promptly.
Most connectivity issues during natural disasters arise from power outages. EDOTCO's war room closely monitors alarms and dispatches field teams to resolve issues quickly, working in coordination with power companies to repair downed lines and clear debris. After the Feni floodwaters receded, EDOTCO engineers deployed portable generators to key locations, repaired existing generators, and monitored alarm systems to address any remaining connectivity issues.
Collaboration and Government Support in Restoring Network Connectivity
In any national emergency, network connectivity is paramount. It supports rescue operations, facilitates relief efforts, and enables critical communication between government authorities and first responders. Recognizing this, Bangladesh has designated telecom services as an essential service, requiring close collaboration between network infrastructure companies, government agencies, and NGOs.
To ensure swift disaster recovery, the Ministry of Disaster Management should integrate telecom networks into recovery plans, facilitating seamless cooperation between power authorities and telecom operators. The Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) must prioritize grid restoration within four to six hours to stabilize the country's communication systems during emergencies.
The flood in Feni highlighted EDOTCO's operational strength, robust skill set, and leadership in disaster management. It also underscored the importance of addressing gaps in emergency readiness. As Bangladesh continues to face the growing impacts of climate change, EDOTCO remains committed to strengthening its infrastructure and ensuring reliable connectivity during natural disasters, setting an example for the entire industry.
