Dot reduces call charges of satellite phones for para military forces in border areas

New Delhi, April 12 (ANI): In a gesture to benefit all Para Military Forces serving along the border outposts throughout the country, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has decided to reduce the call charges from Rs. 5 per minute to Rs. 1 per minute for Satellite Phones for them.

he decision, undertaken by the Department of Telecommunications, has come following the visit of Union Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Sachin Pilot to the North Eastern border areas after it was brought to his notice that the jawans were paying Rs. five per minute for using Satellite Phones to make calls to their families.

"To combat terror and to maintain the security and integrity of the nation, our paramilitary forces despite being posted in the harshest of conditions, have provided unmatched services with dedication and valour. They have for the sake of the country not hesitated in even making the ultimate sacrifice of laying down their lives in order to keep our borders secure. Therefore, to make it easier and cheaper for these brave jawans to keep in touch with their loved ones, we have decided to reduce the call rates for satellite phones used in the border areas, from Rs. 5 to Rs 1. We felt this was the least we could do to boost their morale and mark our respect and appreciation towards our brave jawans," said Sachin Pilot.

The decision has come in appreciation of the fact that the Central Paramilitary Forces like ITBP, BSF and SSB are charged with protecting the international borders with their jawans posted at border outposts in most difficult and inhospitable terrain, comprising high mountain ranges, dense forests, and vast stretches of desert.

To ensure that these brave soldiers enjoy access to telecom services, BSNL has been providing them with Satellite Phones. (ANI)