(a) whether rural PCO services of Wireless in Local Loop (WLL) have not been functioning satisfactorily in the country;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to improve the said services in the
country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI GURUDAS KAMAT)
(a) & (b) No, Madam. Public Call Offices (PCOs) on Wireless in Local Loop (WLL) are
generally working satisfactorily all over India including rural areas over Bharat Sanchar
Nigam Limited (BSNL) network.
(c) The steps taken to improve the rural PCO services of WLL in the country by BSNL are as
under:-
(i) Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) have been put in place with WLL equipment suppliers.
(ii) Switch Mode Power Supplies (SMPSs) are being used with Fixed Wireless Terminals (FWTs)
in the rural areas having poor power supply.
(iii) The latest Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) based technology is being used extensively in
the country.
(iv) More Base Transceivers Stations (BTSs) are being planned and deployed to enhance the
coverage of WLL systems.
(v) The quality of service parameters are being monitored regularly for necessary corrective
actions wherever required.