(a) whether the Government have taken any steps to provide sufficient tele-communication facilities in the border areas;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
(a) whether the Government have taken any steps to provide sufficient tele-communication facilities in the border areas;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI PRAMOD MAHAJAN)
(a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT TO BE LAID ON THE TABLE OF LOK SABHA IN RESPECT OF PARTS (a) TO (c) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 341 FOR 7TH AUGUST, 2002 REGARDING TELE-COMMUNICATION FACILITIES.
Yes, Sir. Telecom facilities in the Border Circles are provided by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited(BSNL) and Private Operators. As on 30.6.2002, a total of 1,47,00,653 Direct Exchange Lines (DELs) (Fixed lines- 129,99,779, Cellular lines- 17,00,874) are working in bordering circles. The total Waiting List in bordering circles as on 30.6.2002 is 7,89,130 which is expected to be cleared by March, 03 progressively. The following is the status of telecom facilites in border areas:-
(i) All exchanges working in border areas are already electronic.
(ii) Reliable media is being progressively extended to all exchanges to provide efficient STD facility.
(iii) Switching Capacity is being expanded wherever required.
(iv) New Exchanges are being opened on reliable media keeping in view the commercial viability wherever demands exist.
(v) Satellite phones are being provided in inaccessible border areas.
(vi) Internet Nodes are available in bordering Telecom Circles and Internet Access has been extended on local call basis from the nearest node.
(vii) Cellular mobile services are functional in border circles other than Jammu & Kashmir and most of North-Eastern region, where this service has not been permitted due to security reasons. Cellular Mobile Operators are not permitted to provide mobile services in a buffer zone of 10 Kms width along Indian International Border. This condition also applies to Public Mobile Radio Trunked Service (PMRTS) and Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) Service.