Question : DECLINING LANDLINE TELEPHONES

(a) whether a large number of subscribers are surrendering their landline telephone connections throughout the country and their demand is continuously declining;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the State-wise extent of decline registered in the country during the last three years, and the current year;

(c) whether the Government has formulated or proposes to formulate any action plan for promotion and expansion of landline telephones; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken in this regard so far?

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

(a) & (b) The License Service Area (LSA) wise detail of decline in number of landline telephone subscribers in the country in the last three years and the current year is as at Annexure-I. The main reason for decline of landline telephones is general tendency of the subscribers to shift to mobile services due to their mobility and affordability.

(c) & (d) The promotion and expansion of landline telephones in the country are done by the respective Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) keeping in view their business plan and commercial aspects.