(a) whether the BSNL has introduced mobile services in Uttar Pradesh particularly in the backward areas;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the names of the areas in the country particularly in Uttar Pradesh which have not yet been linked with mobile services alongwith the reasons therefor; and
(d) the time by which such areas are likely to be linked with mobile service?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (DR. SHAKEEL AHMAD)
(a) to (d) As per the terms and conditions of the license for Cellular Mobile Telephone (CMTS), an operator for Telecom Circle Service Area is required to cover 10% of the District Head Quarters in the service area within one year and 50% of the District Head Quarter within 3 years. The licensee is also permitted to cover any other town in a District in lieu of District Headquarters. The choice of District Head Quarters/Towns to be covered and further expansion beyond 50% District Head Quarters/Towns shall lie with the licensee depending upon their business decision. It is not mandatory under the CMTS license agreement to cover 100% of the service area. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has already introduced mobile service in 518 towns including all District Headquarters (DHQs), 264 Tehsil headquarters and 5305 Kilometers of Highways/Railways routes in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
BSNL is in the process of expanding its cellular network up to Tehsil headquarters and has planned to extend the coverage up to Block headquarters and other important towns based on commercial viability during financial year (2005-06)