By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Union Minister of State (MoS) for Communication and Information Technology, Sachin Pilot, on Monday said that cellular network of neighboring countries is posing a security risk to the country.
The statement assumes significance in view of the fact that the Indian cellular companies do not have sufficient network coverage in the border areas while Bangladeshi cellular network is accessible even inside Indian territory.
He informed that the matter has already been taken up with the Union Home Ministry and the Ministry of Defense for immediate action in this regard.
“The concerned ministries have told us that it may pose security risks,” he told reporters.
Reacting to a query, he said earlier Indian cellular companies were not allowed to set up towers within a 10 kilometer distance from the international border but now rules have changed and cellular companies can now set up towers close to the border areas.
During his visit to Shillong, the Union MoS also reviewed the functioning of BSNL in the region.
He said that the Central Government also has a plan under consideration for improving connectivity in the region, while adding that BSNL plans a capital expenditure of Rs 347 crore in the region this year.
Out of the total, Rs 92.18 crore is earmarked for Assam, while Rs 33.86 crore has been earmarked for NE-1 circle comprising Meghalaya, Manipur and Tripura.
According to Pilot, another amount of Rs 300 crore would be spent on the National Optical Fibre Network. He also informed that he has directed BSNL officials to focus on quality voice and data services in the region.
When asked about the Government’s plans to make roaming free of charge in the entire country, he said altogether there are 22 licensed service providers in the country and it would take some time to bring all of them under a single ambit.
“It is only a proposal which is yet to be accepted. We cannot commit anything at the moment,” he said.
Commenting on the reported radiations emitting from cell phone towers, he said that till date there is no direct correlation between hazardous radiation and cell phone towers.
“Although as a precaution, we have adopted World Health Organization guidelines and studies are on to find out the truth,” he said.