John Wilbert &Vikramaditya
Port Blair, May 31: The Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Government of India has approved the installation of 96 new towers to bolster the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) 4G network in the region. This initiative aims to improve internet connectivity and enhance network quality across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The tower installation project is expected to be completed by December 2023.
Mr. G Raja Ram Mohan, Chief General Manager of BSNL, A&N Telecom Circle, expressed that the government has taken significant steps to enhance network coverage in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, particularly with regard to internet connectivity. The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has undertaken the saturation project of providing 4G mobile services in all villages across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
As part of this effort, the government has sanctioned 96 new tower sites in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In the Nicobar district alone, 25 new tower sites have been approved, including Bampoka Island (01), Car Nicobar (09), Great Nicobar (06), Kamorta (03), Katchal (04), Nancowry Champion Islands (01), Teressa (01), and North and Middle Andaman (51). Additionally, various sites in Baratang, Interview Islands, Long Islands, Mayabunder, Rangat, Hunspuri Village, Diglipur, North Passage, Spike Islands, and South Andaman have been identified for the installation of new towers. Suitable lands for these sites have already been surveyed.
The Chief General Manager further mentioned that out of the 96 sites, 77 sites have already been allotted land and are awaiting forest clearance. The project aims to cover a total of 226 villages, improving network facilities in each of them. The targeted completion date for the project is December 2023, but it is subject to weather conditions in the Islands. The implementation of this project will assist the government machinery in delivering services to the public without any hindrance, leading to the widely availability of 4G services and ensuring seamless connectivity under the Universal Service Obligation fund.
The project for making 4G mobile services available in uncovered villages across the country was initially approved on July 27, 2022, with a total cost of Rs. 26,316 crore. It aims to provide 4G mobile services in 24,680 uncovered villages located in remote and difficult areas.
The project also includes the upgrade of 6,279 villages that currently have only 2G or 3G connectivity to 4G. The execution of the project will be undertaken by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) using Atmanirbhar Bharat’s 4G technology stack and will be funded through the Universal Service Obligation Fund.
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