(a) whether the receptivity and audibility of cellular services of BSNL is poor in Bangalore;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the government proposes to instal new towers in Bangalore to improve the cellular services;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)
(a) & (b) Sir, receptivity and audibility of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) based cellular service of BSNL in Bangalore is satisfactory and is in general, meeting the Quality of Service parameters prescribed by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). BSNL cellular mobile service covers about 99% of Bangalore. The PSU has already taken action for installing 315 new cell phone sites (Towers) in Bangalore urban and rural areas during the current financial year to further enhance the coverage and capacity of mobile service there.
(c) to (e) Yes, Sir. Action has been taken to put up 1059 cellphone sites (towers) in Karnataka including 269 sites in Bangalore Urban agglomeration area.