BSNL network along Indo-Bangla border

Guwahati, May 17 (UNI) Availability of Bangladeshi mobile network inside 10 km of the international border had created a flutter among the border sentinels. But the good news is that the BSNL is on the job to set up Base Trans-receiver System (BTS) towers along the entire stretch of the Indo-Bangla international border.

''Following a nod from the Centre, we have already erected Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication BTS towers at seven places in three districts along the border. This will enable network availibity up to 500 mts from the border,'' said G Rajaram, chief general manager, BSNL, Asom Circle.

In a strategic move, the Union Government has lifted the restriction to expand mobile network service along the 4,095 km Indo-Bangla border.

Earlier, the home ministry had debarred cellphones facilities within 10 km of the border. Mobile network along India's border with China, however, continues to be restricted.

Now the revised order bars mobile connectivity within 500 m of the border instead of the 10 km restrictions that was there earlier.

Mr Rajaram said while seven GSM BTS towers and five WLL BTS towers are already working along the border, the BSNL has plans to set up at least 20 more towers within this financial year.

The CGM further informed that few weeks back, the Bangladesh intelligenc had complained that BSNL network was available inside their territory.

''We have rectified the error. Now, we have kept the heights low.

This will also strengthen the network,'' he said.

Besides, the BSNL also has plans to extend its mobile capacity to 7,00,000 lines with more than 550 base towers, covering all villages with population greater than 2,000 by March 2008.

UNI