BSNL to Ask Government to Allow Mobile Number Portability in Northeast

"I'll try to ensure that the MNP service is extended to NE states. I'll raise this issue with the union minister who will be visiting Agartala later this month," BSNL NE1 Chief General Manager D P Singh told reporters in Shillong.

Northeastern states are barred from MNP, implemented in the rest of the country on July 3 for security reason, he said.

He said that over 100 towers located in remote areas of the region have been shut down due to cost overrun. These towers were earlier funded by the centre under the Universal Service Obligation (USO) scheme.

He, however, said that the centre has recently approved a proposal to implement a comprehensive development plan for the north eastern region at a cost of over Rs. 5,336 crores aimed at connecting 8,617 villages.

"This project which includes 2G mobile service in uncovered areas and providing reliability in transmission networks will be commissioned in September next year," Singh said.

Stating that the NE1 circle has made a loss of Rs. 88 crores this year, Singh said the revenue collection went up by Rs. 17 crore and assets worth Rs. 46 crores had been added to the network.

While informing that wi-fi hotspot connectivity would be provided at important tourist places, Singh said 44 locations in Meghalaya, 35 in Mizoram and 94 in Tripura have been selected for the service.