COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Question No - 2402
:
Answered Date : 09.08.2010
Subject : BSNL TOWER ON INDO-PAK BORDER

 

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:-


(a) whether the Government has any proposal to set up Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) tower in the vicinity of Indo-Pak Border; 

(b) if so, the details thereof; 

(c) whether the telecom companies have to seek permission from the Government for setting up of towers in the said area; 

(d) if so, the details thereof; 

(e) if not, the reasons therefor; 

(f) whether the Government has also any proposal to reduce the call rates for para-military personnel manning International Border of the country; 

(g) if so, the details thereof; and 

(h) the steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard and to improve the network connectivity in the said area of the country?
ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI SACHIN PILOT) 

(a) Yes, Madam. 

(b) Total number of 104 Towers are proposed to be setup by BSNL in the vicinity of Indo-Pak border in the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat during the year 2010-11.

(c) Yes, Madam. 

(d) BSNL has to seek permission/approval from Army authorities for setting up of towers in the above said Border area. 

(e) Does not arise in view of (c) & (d) above. 

(f) No, Madam. 

(g) Does not arise in view of (f) above. 

(h) BSNL is augmenting its mobile network progressively so as to enhance coverage capacity and to improve the Quality of Service in the country including the Indo-Pak Border. BSNL is also optimizing its network continuously for its performance.