(a) the total number of villages in the country especially in Maharashtra where Wireless in Local Loop (WLL) services have
been provided;
(b) the number of villages in the country where no telecom facilities are available; and
(c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)
(a) 5,55,532 villages in the country have been provided with Village Public Telephones (VPTs) facility, out of these 3,19,970 are
through Wireless in Local Loop (WLL). In the State of Maharashtra, 36,918 villages have been provided with VPT facility, out of these
14,218 villages are having VPT facility through Wireless in Local Loop (WLL).
(b) & (c) Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) has entered into an agreement with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in November,
2004 for provision of Village Public Telephones (VPTs) in remaining 66,822 uncovered villages in the country. This excludes villages having
population less than 100, lying in thick forest areas/naxalite infested areas, etc. As on 30.9.2007, 50,520 VPTs have been provided in the
country including 5,612 villages of Maharashtra. Remaining 16,302 uncovered villages are likely to be provided with VPT facility
progressively by June, 2008.