BSNL Takes Charge of Department of Posts (DOP) Network Operations Amid SIFY's Withdrawal.
New Delhi, November 4, 2024 – Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India’s leading telecom enterprise, has issued crucial instructions to maintain uninterrupted network services for the Department of Posts. The directive follows SIFY’s withdrawal as the incumbent operator, impacting over 27,000 network links crucial to the Department’s nationwide operations.
Underlining the strategic importance of these links, which run on BSNL's MPLS backbone, BSNL has directed all Circle General Managers (CGMs) to ensure the connectivity remains stable and operational. Given the high dependency on BSNL’s infrastructure for these services, the organization is focused on rigorous monitoring to prevent any disruption. BSNL is also stepping up with additional support and coordination to mitigate potential connectivity challenges during this transition.
Key Measures for Network Stability and Coordination
1. Continuous Network Monitoring: BSNL has mandated continuous oversight of all MPLS connections supporting the Department of Posts. This monitoring is especially critical as the withdrawal of SIFY's services may reduce the availability of secondary network links, adding importance to BSNL’s MPLS backbone.
2. Designated Personnel for Rapid Response: To ensure swift troubleshooting, BSNL has instructed each circle to appoint a liaison officer who will coordinate directly with the Chief Postmaster General (CPMG) offices. These individuals will oversee the rapid reconfiguration and repair of network routers should any faults occur, helping to maintain seamless network continuity.
3. Centralized Technical Support via MPLS NOC, Bangalore: The MPLS Network Operations Center (NOC) in Bangalore will serve as the technical backbone for this project. A dedicated call center seat is being reserved exclusively for handling any issues or queries from the Department of Posts, allowing for faster response and issue resolution.
Coordinated Effort Across BSNL Divisions
To ensure a unified and efficient response, the Corporate Office has issued instructions for close coordination across several BSNL divisions:
- CGM CNTX has been directed to station at least two personnel at Dak Bhawan, enabling direct coordination and rapid support as required.
- The instructions have been shared with key officials, including the Chief General Manager MPLS, Bangalore, GM EB NCR-I CN TX North, and Director (Enterprise), ensuring they are well-informed and ready to offer guidance.
Actionable Steps and Reporting
All BSNL circles are required to submit action-taken reports on this initiative to the Corporate Office, demonstrating the organization's commitment to accountability and oversight during this critical period.
These measures, authorized by BSNL’s senior management, reinforce BSNL’s role as a reliable partner in supporting India’s postal infrastructure. By proactively strengthening its operations and maintenance of the Department of Posts network, BSNL reaffirms its dedication to sustaining crucial services across the country.
About BSNL: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is a Government of India enterprise and one of the largest telecom service providers in India. With a vast network and a reputation for reliable service delivery, BSNL plays a pivotal role in supporting government and enterprise communications across the nation.