Bangla network service providers saving grace despite security threat
SHILLONG: Mobile phone connectivity in the border areas of Ranikor and Maheshkhola in South West Khasi Hills remains zero despite promises of better coverage by service providers in the State.
A visit to the bordering areas of the district reveals the real picture as hardly any Indian mobile service provider has extended its coverage to the border towns.
While the areas remain in the grey zone of Indian mobile service providers, network of Bangladeshi companies like Grameen Phone and Robi is strong well inside the Indian territory.
This is despite the fact that strong connectivity of Bangladeshi cellular companies is a major threat to the national security.
A few locals in Maheshkhola admitted that signals of Bangladeshi service providers are easily available in their areas.
Even after Indian mobile companies promising to invest in rural and border areas, there has been no perceivable improvement in the situation.
Speaking on the matter, officials of Border Security Force (BSF) who are guarding the long 443-km Indo-Bangla border said leaving apart few areas, there is a huge problem of mobile connectivity along the border in Meghalaya.
“We are relying on our wireless communication and sometimes we have to go to specific locations for network,” the official said.
When asked about the strong signal of Bangladeshi mobile companies beyond the border, the official said the matter has already been taken up with the Border Guard Bangladesh.
The officials also admitted that perpetrators, including cattle smugglers, are using Bangladeshi SIM cards inside the Indian territory.
Sources said restricting cellular connectivity provided by Bangladeshi companies in and around the international border will help in reducing crime here.
Poor cellular connectivity in several parts of the State, especially areas close to the international border, continues to inconvenience locals. Adding to the woes of the people is the alleged indifference of private telecommunication companies who refuse to venture into such areas.