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.