(a) whether there are reports of use of International SIM cards by militants in the country including the North Eastern States;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
(c) whether the poor telecom connectivity is hindering security operations in many parts of the country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)
(a)&(b): No such case has come to notice.
(c)&(d): Issue of poor mobile coverage has been reported by Law Enforcement Agencies in the Left Wing Extremism affected areas. The Government has decided to provide the mobile connectivity at 2199 locations in 10 States as a special measure. The Cabinet Committee has approved the proposal to award the work to BSNL on nomination basis. USOF would fund the CAPEX and OPEX net of revenue for five years. Estimated project cost is Rs. 3046.12.