Ensure nonstop power in coastal areas to keep mobile network on: AMTOB

The Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh (AMTOB) today urged the government to ensure uninterrupted power in several areas in the southern part of the country for the sake of continuing telecommunication.

"Due to the powerful cyclone Sitrang, we have experienced power outages in several areas in the southern part of the country," AMTOP said in a press release today.

Mobile operators are trying their best to keep the network up and running by using batteries and generators wherever possible, it said.

"Considering telecom service as an emergency public service, we urge the Power Division and other concerned authorities to ensure uninterrupted power," it added.

Meanwhile, internet services in the coastal areas are being disrupted due to a lack of electricity in the affected regions as cyclone Sitrang, which was approaching the Bangladesh coasts, is likely to landfall by midnight.

Emdadul Hoque, president of the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB), said the cyclone is disrupting broadband internet services and it is not possible to keep the network running in areas without electricity.

However, the Post and Telecommunication Division, earlier in the day, issued an alert requesting operators and service providers to make all necessary preparations to protect their respective installations and telecommunication assets.