(a) whether the Government proposes to set up mobile towers powered by solar and other renewable energy for improving communication services in Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe dominated areas of the country and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the operator-wise details of mobile towers set up in Rajasthan, district-wise; and
(c) the number of BSNL mobile towers being operated in Banswara-Dungarpur and the number of mobile towers likely to be installed in the said area in the current year?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS, EDUCATION AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE)
(a) Yes, Sir. Government has proposed to set up mobile towers, powered by solar and other renewable energy through various schemes under Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) to provide telecommunication services in the rural and remote areas of the country. These schemes aim to benefit all the people living in remote and rural areas including Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe population. However, no separate information is maintained regarding setting up of mobile towers powered by solar and other renewable energy for improving communication services specifically for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe dominated areas of the country.
(b) The operator-wise details of mobile towers set up in Rajasthan, district-wise is attached as Annexure. The Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), as per the requirement of DoT provide these numbers as and when asked.
(c) The number of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) mobile towers being operated in Banswara and Dungarpur districts are given below:
<pre>
Name of District Number of BSNL mobile towers as on 28-02-21
Banswara 69
Dungarpur 60
</pre>
Telecom companies explore opportunities to expand their network coverage by installing new towers. This is subject to techno-commercial feasibility.
BSNL and other Telecom Companies have expressed their inability to provide their future plan.