Govt plans to set up mobile towers in Indo-Pak border vicinity

The government has proposed to set up mobile communication towers in the vicinity of Indo-Pak border in various states, as part of drive to expand and improve the quality of services.

The government has proposed to set up mobile communication towers in the vicinity of Indo-Pak border in various states, as part of drive to expand and improve the quality of services.

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"Total 104 towers are proposed to be set up by BSNL in the vicinity of the Indo-Pak border in the states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat during 2010-11," Minister of State for Communications and IT Sachin Pilot said in response to a query in the Lok Sabha.

He added that BSNL is augmenting its mobile network progressively so as to enhance coverage capacity and improve quality of service across the country, including the Indo-Pak border areas.

However, before setting up the towers BSNL has to seek permission from army authorities in those areas.

To a different query on the preparedness of MTNL for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, Pilot said the communications equipment has been installed at 40 sites, out of total 48 sites, till July 2010.

The equipment installations at the remaining games sites will be completed by August 15, he added.

The government has sanctioned Rs 182 crore for setting up communications network for the games.

To another query, Pilot said that the telecom regulator TRAI has submitted a proposal seeking more powers, but the government is yet to decide whether to confer the authority with more powers.

TRAI already has powers to make complaint in court, against telecom firms, for taking cognizance of any offence punishable under TRAI Act, 1997.