Question : INSTALLATION OF BTS IN MOBILE TOWERS



(a) whether the Union Government proposes to instal BTS in the mobile tower established at the Bagha Telecommunications centre in Bihar;

(b) if so, by when the BTS is likely to be installed and the increase in area of coverage after its installation, district-wise; and

(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to instal BTS in various mobile towers and provide Telecom service in those areas of Bihar, thereto not covered by either landline or mobile service?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)

(a) & (b) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) proposes to install a BTS at Bagha Telephone Exchange by November 2005, which would provide coverage of around 5 Kms subject to terrain conditions.

(c) As per terms and conditions of Cellular Mobile Telephone Service (CMTS) and Unified Access Services Licence Agreement, the choice of District headquarters/towns to be covered and further expansion beyond 50% District Headquarters/towns shall lie with the licensees depending on their business decision. Further, there is no requirement of mandatory coverage of rural areas.

As on 28.2.2005, the total number of mobile phones provided by mobile service providers in Bihar Telecom Circle are 10,90,858 out of which BSNL`s mobile subscriber base is 4,04,500. Further BSNL is augmenting its mobile network capacity in Bihar Telecom Circle by additional 5.5 Lakhs during current year. In addition to above, the private mobile service providers would also enhance the existing capacity of their mobile network during the current year as per their business plans.