West Tripura Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb has called upon BSNL to reinforce its telecommunication infrastructure across the remote hilly and border sectors of Tripura. Emphasizing that dependable connectivity remains essential for local citizens as well as national security, the parliamentarian pressed for immediate infrastructural upgrades.
Review Meeting at BSNL Headquarters in Agartala
The issue was raised during a Telecom Advisory Committee meeting convened at the BSNL headquarters located in Kaman Chowmuhani, Agartala. The gathering served as a review platform to evaluate existing network coverage, infrastructure developments, and pending matters brought up during prior sessions.
Drawing attention to significant connectivity deficits along the international boundary, the MP noted that numerous stretches exist where domestic mobile SIM cards remain entirely non-functional for spans reaching nearly 10 km. Conversely, signals originating from Bangladeshi telecommunications networks reportedly penetrate up to 15 km deep within Indian territory.
Security Implications and Border Communication Gaps
According to the parliamentarian, inadequate domestic network availability creates daily hardships for inhabitants residing in border-adjacent settlements while simultaneously raising critical security concerns. Expanding BSNL infrastructure and erecting additional cell towers along vulnerable stretches would facilitate seamless communication for residents and assist security agencies during operations.
Highlighting the geographic context, Deb noted that roughly 80 percent of Tripura shares international borders. In these zones, the absence of local towers prevents effective communication while foreign signals reach deep inland, creating a pronounced security vulnerability.
Evaluation of Past Grievances and 5G Deployment Pace
Beyond border infrastructure, the committee reviewed past agenda items concerning BSNL service quality, employment generation, customer support, and broader network expansion. The deliberations aimed to gauge implementation progress and identify specific matters requiring escalation to central authorities.
Furthermore, the MP questioned the timeline and rollout speed of 5G technology in the state. While acknowledging the ongoing deployment of 4G services across Tripura, he pressed officials for explicit updates regarding 5G speeds and geographic coverage.
Reflecting on historical context, he recalled that international roaming restrictions previously enforced across the Northeast due to security considerations were eventually lifted, though implementation had experienced delays.
Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee alongside senior BSNL executives actively participated in the consultative proceedings.
