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Our Bureau

Relaxation does not apply to J&K, Pathankot, Akhnoor

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New Delhi March 1 Consumers living near international borders will now be able to get mobile phones. The Government has allowed telecom service providers to set up network that will make available cellular services up to 500 metres of the international border. People living in the border areas of Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal, Uttaranchal and North East Sates will benefit from the move.

Curbs stay along LoC

The Government has, however, kept the restrictions along the Line of Control, Line of Actual Control, Jammu and Kashmir, Pathankot and Akhnoor for security reasons. The cellular operators will continue to keep a buffer zone of 10 km along these regions where cellular services will not be available.

Reacting to the decision to open up the remaining areas along the international border for cellular operators, Mr T.V. Ramachandran, Director-General, Cellular Operators Association of India, said, "Operators are embarking on a plan to cover every nook and corner of the country and the people living near border areas would have missed the telecom revolution had this decision not been made. We are enthused and encouraged that the Government has accepted our suggestion to allow operators to set up infrastructure near the border. We have the technology to limit the coverage at the specified range."

Penalties

If the operators do not stick to the distance limit set by the Government then the Department of Telecom could take action against telecom operators, including imposition of financial penalties.

"Periodic surprise checks may be carried out by the DoT or its authorised representatives, including security agencies to ensure the compliance with the conditions. In case any violation in respect of usable mobile signals in the No Service Zone or in the Buffer Zone are detected, stern action will be taken according to the terms and conditions of the licence agreement, including imposition of financial penalty," a DoT notification said.

Operators will have to obtain clearance from the DoT and the Home Ministry for every single base station that will be installed in border areas in view of security issues raised by various agencies.

More Stories on : Telecommunications | Security

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