Elders demand improvement in Telephone services

New Delhi, Dec 13 (UNI) The government came under fire in Rajya Sabha today for poor telephone and mobile phone services from members who demanded that the state-owned communication services be girded up for better performance.

Participating in the discussion on the 'Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Bill, 2006, which was moved by Communication Minister Dayanidhi Maran to amend the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, Mr Shantaram Naik (Congress) demanded converging several separate aspects into a comprehensive Act to make it more stringent and effective.

The Bill has already been passed by the Lok Sabha.

He also regretted the failure of mobile telephony during emergencies like floods etc. and suggested putting up more mobile telephone towers.

Mr Suresh Bharadwaj (BJP) urged the government to subsidise the basic telephone line to extend its reach to rural and backward areas.

Mr Virendra Bhatia (SP), while pointing out that nobody opposed expansion of telecom services, said stress should be laid on quality as well.

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