The Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of India, (TRAI) on December 12, 2022, issued a Press release regarding Recommendations on Improving Telecom Connectivity/Infrastructure in remote areas of Himachal Pradesh. The following recommendations are provided:
• Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operating Expenditure (OPEX) required for providing telecom infrastructure and connectivity to the 25 uncovered villages (falling under the three revenue districts of Lahaul & Spiti, Kullu, and Chamba) of Himachal Pradesh (HP)should be funded by Government through USOF.
• As the extant provisions m USOF sponsored “Saturation Of 4G Mobile Services in Uncovered Villages Across the Country” allows for the inclusion of an additional 20% of communities under its present scope, it has been recommended that USOF should immediately include these 25 uncovered villages under its 20% additional scope for providing 4G after carrying out on a ground survey of the uncovered villages (falling under the three revenue districts of Lahaul & Spiti, Kullu, and Chamba) The requisite overall additional expenditure has also been suggested for providing 4G coverage in these 25 left out villages
• Cellular mobile infrastructure at 38 villages having non-4G-based coverage, has also been recommended to be upgraded to 4G-based telecom service under the 20% additional scope that exists in USOF sponsored “Saturation of 4G Mobile Services in Uncovered Villages Across the Country.
