DTS to enter cellular services in all states

NEW DELHI: The Department of Telecom Services will enter cellular services in all states as against the earlier decision to provide service in the four states of Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu. The government is also exploring the possibility to introducing WILL systems, satellite systems, and optical fibre in remote areas. The government would soon float tenders for cellular equipment. Earlier, the Communications Minister, Ram Vilas Paswan, had expressed his concern that the bulk of the Indian masses live without access to telephone lines and has proposed a rural fund for telecom development. The fund, which was under consideration, was supposed to have contribution from the private sector as well under the terms of Universal Service Obligation.

Paswan also declared that Internet nodes will be set up in all districts as per the recommendations of the Task Force. Although there has been delay on this front, the Minister expected at least 6,000 block headquarters to have nodes by August 15. However, there was also good news in that DTS had exceeded its target for direct exchange lines for last year. As against the target of 45.5 lakh, DTS installed 49.16 lakh taking the total DELs to two crore. However, Paswan lamented that the department had failed to meet the target of Village Public Telephones of 45,000 at 34,000. He also indicated that the appellate tribunal to sort out disputes would be in place by April 15.