CALL DROP WORRIES PM TOO
ORDERS QUICK RESOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM
In a stern stand on the call drop issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked officials to urgently resolve the problem.
Expressing serious concern, Modi also asked officials to ensure that the problems in voice connectivity do not extend to data in the future.
At a meeting held on Monday evening, The Prime Minister directed officials to explore the possibility of leveraging existing resources, including railways and other communication infrastructure, to provide mobile connectivity in remote areas.
He asked officials, includ- ing telecom secretary Rakesh Garg, as to what was being done to address the problem.
He also said the targets for digital infrastructure should be synchronised with the Digital India initiative.
The problem of call drops has worsened in recent months, with telcos citing lack of mobile towers and inadequate spectrum as the major problems.
Communications minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said he has written to state governments to allow installation of towers in government buildings and promote in-building solutions (antennas housed inside).
He also appealed to operators to find an early solution to the call drop problem. “Operators need to resolve the issue. They cannot expect the government to intervene in matters relating to local bodies,” he said.
He also stressed the role of local bodies to ensure connectivity : “I appeal to the local municipal bodies to be more sensitive. They need to understand that BTS (cell site) is integral to good quality of service,” Prasad said.
Stating that telcos should be responsible for maintaining service quality, Prasad urged them to optimise network and spectrum usage.
The minister also assured operators that the government will provide full support to resolve their problems.
“Whatever is necessary for policy, we will do, like installation of mobile towers on government buildings, speaking against radiation fears.
“I expect operators should also do what is required to reinforce system, optimise networks,” he added.