New Delhi, April 3 (H.S.): During question hour in the Rajya Sabha, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia announced plans to install 2,343 mobile towers in extremism-affected areas. In response to NCP MP Praful Patel's inquiry about upgrading to 4G in Naxalite areas and BSNL's tower issues, Scindia revealed a program under the Digital India Fund aimed at these installations. He discussed a future capital expenditure scheme to secure funds for BSNL's 250,000 towers needing upgrades, indicating a willingness to seek financial support or monetize BSNL's assets for this initiative.

Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha questioned the government's approach regarding the U.S. imposing a 26 percent tariff on Indian exports, suggesting leveraging permits for Elon Musk's Starlink as a bargaining tool. Scindia emphasized his duty to the 1.4 billion telecom consumers in India, asserting a commitment to provide opportunities and technologies. He noted that only two satellite technology licenses have been issued to Indian firms—Reliance and Bharti Airtel—and assured consideration of consumer and security concerns. Minister of State for Communications, Dr. Chandrasekhar Pemmasani, highlighted that India's terrestrial broadband speed far exceeds that of Starlink, with India's network benefiting a significantly larger user base in recent years.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar