Once a generation, humanity faces a crisis of such mighty proportions that it brings to the fore

the responsibility borne by sections of society who are otherwise taken for granted or less
cherished. The armed forces during a conflict, the farming community during food shortage,
healthcare workers and the pharmaceutical community during pandemics. Historically,
industrial enterprises rising to the challenges of war or crisis also bear such a profound
responsibility.

Today, the world is collectively dealing with the menace of Covid-19 and taking emergency
measures to contain and eventually eliminate the virus. One such measure is the enforcement
of ‘social distancing’ — physical distancing intended to stop or slow down the spread of a
contagious disease. All establishments are shutting, people are being asked to stay and work
from home. Movement of people within and beyond both state and national borders is being
restricted, except for those providing essential services.

As the world locks itself down and people’s movements are severely restricted, it is ‘virtual
connectivity’ that is rising to the occasion. The value of telecommunication networks —both
mobile and fixed — has never been more pronounced. Advances in technology are ensuring that
the world can, and is, operating seamlessly through telecom platforms and applications and
services riding on it, even when confined to homes. The immense benefit of knowing that your
near and dear ones are safe and well, the old and infirm are a tap away from help, infants and
kids get constant comfort from their families stuck far away are just a few examples of what
telecom provides us. Video and voice calls, mails and messaging are ensuring that most, if not
all, continue to serve and keep the wheels in motion. From ordering food, groceries and other
necessities, to seeking medical advice and delivery of medicines, all are being enabled around
the clock.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised COVID-19 as a pandemic and almost all
countries in the world have been affected by it one way or another. Many countries have
declared full or partial lockdown and people are advised not to leave their homes unless
necessary. In this difficult time, all of the developed countries have declared list of professions
as key workers who will remain active and serve the society during the lockdown. This list
includes doctors, pharmacists, National Health System workers, police and security forces, and
telecommunication networks engineers/workers.

While the healthcare system, nurses and doctors are at the frontline of fighting the pandemic
and protecting patients, others have to stay at home and maintain social distancing. This means
that many people need to work from home using internet-based technologies. At this point, it
can be argued that the load is mainly on the fixed networks which connect homes.