Poor telecom service irk election officials

Agartala, Jan 22 (UNI) Poor telecommunication connectivity has become a major obstacle for the election officials and security forces in Tripura at a time when Election Commission of India (ECI) announced to go for hi-tech polls in the state.

Official sources said here today that the capital city and its adjoining areas, has been facing a huge crisis following poor telecom network, broadband and mobile connectivity.

The district administrations have brought the matter to the notice of state election panel and sought intervention to ensure stable connectivity during February 23 elections.

ECI has instructed the BSNL authorities to provide internet facility to each subdivision headquarters and government guest houses during election so that EC Observers could constantly monitor the election process.

The BSNL authorities have also ensured to take steps to improve Internet facility at least at subdivision level, however, they have regretted that the broadband facility will not be possible.

They also said that steps were being taken to build up infrastructure so that additional mobile connection could be given.

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