Call drop menace: Govt to take strict actions against telcos for not offering enhanced services

Tough time for telcos?

In order to address the issue of call drop, the government has decided to initiate strict actions against private telecom firms that have been seen constantly rising the number of user by providing them lucrative offers and not delivering improved mobile services.

While responding to an issue raise by Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agrawal in the Rajya Sabha, Communications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad stated that the private telecom firms have been asked to enhance the infrastructure. He further clarified that the government is continuously keeping a check of steps initiated by these telcos.

Appreciating the concern raised by MPs on this issue of call drop, Prasad said, "I and my government have taken this issue very seriously. For last two-three years, the issue was not taken seriously. I want to assure you that the effective steps taken now by me have never been taken earlier."

The Minister said what is "very bad" is that private telecom firm are constantly trying their best to increase the number of their user, but they are not enhancing their mobile services. He further added that he "will take more stern steps to improve the services."

According to the Minister, a survey has discovered 35,000 mobile towers out of the total 18 lakh mobile towers of private companies in India are faulty. Adding that almost 20,000 such towers have been repaired, nearly 15,000 faulty towers are yet to be set right. He concluded by stating that "My department is monitoring it and have been asking private companies for investing and improving the infrastructure."
(Image: The Economic Times)