LOK SABHA
ISSUES IN ONLINE CLASSES
2929. SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware of the issues faced by students including students from tribal hamlets suffering from poor internet connectivity for availing online classes in Kollam district in Kerala and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government has further received any estimation for the installation of Micro and Mast type Base Transceiver Station (BTS) in Ambnar MFS, Cheruppittakavu SFCK, Chempanaruvi Telephone Exchange, Vellamthetti Tribal settlement among other sites identified; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and funds allocated, if any, during the last two years and the current year?
(SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN)
(a) to (c) Kollam district of Kerala state is covered with 2G/3G/4G mobile coverage and having good signal strength & internet connectivity except some tribal hamlets where the mobile signal is weak/NIL due to various geographical factors such as hilly terrain, dense vegetation, remote locations, etc.
The Government through various schemes/projects under Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) is providing telecommunication services in uncovered inhabited villages in the country in a phased manner.
The Union Cabinet on 27.07.2022 has approved a project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages across the country. The project will provide 4G mobile services in 24,680 uncovered villages in remote and difficult areas including Kollam district of Kerala. In addition, 6,279 villages having only 2G/3G connectivity shall be upgraded to 4G.
Around 6,291 number of Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) installed by Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), are providing mobile network coverage in Kollam district in Kerala. New mobile towers and BTSs are installed by TSPs to improve coverage and capacity of their networks based on their techno-commercial assessments from time to time. As reported by M/s BSNL, details of installed and planned BTSs for Kollam district is given below:
Financial Year à |
2020 – 21 |
2021-22 |
2022-23 |
2023-24 |
Number of BTS Installed |
12 |
16 |
7 |
– |
Number of BTS Planned |
– |
– |
339 |
90 |
Financial Year à |
2020 – 21 |
2021-22 |
2022-23 |
2023-24 |
Number of BTS Installed |
12 |
16 |
7 |
– |
Number of BTS Planned |
– |
– |
339 |
90 |