4G SERVICES IN LEFT WING EXTREMISM (LWE) AREAS

About:

• The Project envisages upgrading 2,343 left Wing Extremism Phase-I sites from 2G to 4G mobile services at an estimated cost of Rs.1,884.59 crore (Excluding taxes and levies).
  
  
• This includes O&M for five years. However, BSNL will maintain the sites for another five years at its own cost.  The work will be awarded to BSNL because these sites belong to BSNL.
  
  
• The Cabinet also approved funding of operations and maintenance cost of LWE Phase-I 2G sites by BSNL for an extended period beyond the contractual period of five years at an estimated cost of Rs.541.80 crore.
  
  
• The extension will be up to 12 months from the date of approval by the Cabinet or commissioning of 4G sites, whichever is earlier.
  
  

Benefits

• The upgradation will enable better internet and data services in these LSW areas. The proposal is in line with the goal of providing mobile connectivity in rural areas.
  
  
• It shall also fulfil the communication needs of the security personnel deployed in these areas.
  
  
• In addition, delivery of various e-governance services, banking services, tele-medicine; tele-education etc. through mobile broadband shall be possible in these areas.