Question : INTERNET AND CELLULAR FACILITY IN ASSAM



(a) whether the Government propose to provide Internet and Cellular/Mobile facility in the hilly districts of Assam;

(b) if so, the details thereof, district-wise; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI TAPAN SIKDAR)


(a) to (c): Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (BSNL) is providing Internet facility throughout Assam including two Hilly District i.e. Karbi Anglong and N. C. Hills. Also, the following private Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are providing Internet service through their nodes at Guwahati

i)	M/s HCL Infinet Ltd.	ii)	M/s Satyam Infoway Pvt. Ltd.	iii)	M/s Reliance Infocom Ltd.	iv)	M/s Patriot Automation Projects Pvt. Ltd.



Expansion or fresh start of Cellular Mobile Telephone Service (CMTS) is not permitted at present by Private Operators as well as BSNL in Assam Telecom Circle on security considerations. However, CMTS in Assam Telecom Circle is being provided by M/s Reliance Telecom Limited in Guwahati City only.