SHILLONG: An uninterrupted mobile connectivity with fast internet connection is still a distant dream for many in the state, including those in the capital city. Mobile users say whatever connection they use, they continue to face the problem of poor network and slow internet on several occasions. Many users say the internet speed in their smartphones is average when they are in Shillong.
But when they visit other states, poor network is no longer a problem. “There are many areas in Shillong where people will not get network once they enter inside a building or a house and mobile connectivity still needs to be improved a lot in the city,” a mobile user said. Recently when there was a squall in the city, many customers complained of slow internet connection. “Whenever there is wind and squall, you will face network issues in Shillong,” some customers said. Even inside the Secretariat, people face issues with mobile connectivity and it is only BSNL which has proper connection.
However, the silver lining is that there is no blackout of mobile connectivity in the city for past few years Many telecom companies blame the unavailability of land to setup towers as the primary reason for poor network as people are apprehensive that mobile towers emit harmful radiations. Earlier, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had said the government is also keen to pass the telecom policy to provide mobile connectivity to remote villages in the state and once the telecom policy is in place, it will solve all problems of call dropping and poor network.