Question : NUMBER OF TELEPHONE EXCHANGES

(a) the total number of telephone exchanges have been set up in the country including Uttar Pradesh during the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(b) the number of telephone exchanges functioning properly at present, State-wise;

(c) whether STD/ISD facilities and Internet facilities have been provided at all telephone exchanges in the country and if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(d) the criteria laid down to extend these facilities to the States; and

(e) the number of telephone exchanges in the country which are under construction State-wise and location-wise?

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

(a) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has set up 166 telephone exchanges including in the state of Uttar Pradesh during the last three years and the current year. Circle-wise details of these telephone exchanges are given in Annexure-I.

(b) All the telephone exchanges of BSNL are functioning properly at present. Circle- wise details of functional telephone exchanges are given in Annexure-II.

(c) & (d) All the telephone exchanges of BSNL carry STD/ISD and Internet facilities.

(e) BSNL has informed that at present no new telephone exchange is under construction.