Question : LAYING OF UNDERGROUND CABLE

(a) the details of private companies which have started laying of cables in the country for providing 2G and 3G services;

(b) whether the necessary permissions have been obtained by them from various Ministries/Departments/Agencies as required for the purpose;

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) the action taken by the Government and penalties imposed on the erring telecom operators along with the action taken against Government officials forsuch irregularities?

THE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a) to (c) The private Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) lay various types of cables to provide different types of telecom services including 2G and 3G services. It has been reported by the TSPs that such cables are laid only after obtaining necessary permissions from Ministry/Departments/Agencies as required for the purpose.

(d) Does not arise in view of above.