VoIP to Bring all Emergency Operation Centres Across the Islands Under a Unified Communication Network
Sri Vijaya Puram, April 7: Marking a significant milestone in disaster preparedness and emergency management, the Andaman & Nicobar Administration has successfully commissioned the first integrated VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) Communication System across the islands. The system was inaugurated by Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, in the presence of the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (DM/R&R), senior officers and Heads of Departments at the Conference Hall, Secretariat.
The primary objective of this system is to bring all Emergency Operation Centres (EOCs) across the islands under a unified communication network, ensuring faster and more reliable coordination during emergency situations.
This initiative marks the establishment of the first independent communication layer in the A&N Islands, currently supporting 100 connections.
Key Benefits
•Centralized announcement system enabling simultaneous voice messaging
•Reduction in disaster response time
•Unified communication connectivity across all three districts
•Integrated voice messaging system
•Call Detail Record (CDR) management system
•Real-time monitoring of each subscriber/location
•Call recording facility (can be activated as required)
•Interconnectivity with other networks
•No recurring expenditure
At present, the system connects key locations across the three districts, including DCR South Andaman, DCR Nicobar, DCR Mayabunder, EOC Hut Bay, EOC Swaraj Dweep, EOC Shaheed Dweep, EOC Ferrargunj, and SEOC. The network will be further expanded to include all Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
During the event, the Chief Secretary demonstrated live group communication linking seven control rooms across the three districts, marking the first real-time, two-way voice connectivity across all districts in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. He highlighted the importance of such initiatives in strengthening disaster preparedness and emphasized extending connectivity to remote islands like Narcondam, Teressa and Chowra.
Ms. Purva Garg, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, noted that the system will greatly enhance the District Disaster Management Authority’s communication capabilities during emergencies. She added that the Administration is exploring integration with satellite technology to ensure resilient and uninterrupted connectivity even in challenging conditions.