Nishar Mohammed
Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 14: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is marking the 80th Independence Day with a series of customer-focused initiatives and major telecommunications infrastructure milestones aimed at strengthening digital connectivity across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Talking to media Mr. G. Kumareshan, Deputy General Manager (HQ) for the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) Telecom Circle in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands today said that as part of its Independence Day initiatives, BSNL has highlighted new offerings for customers across the country while also showcasing the expansion of high-speed internet and mobile connectivity in the geographically challenging terrain of the Islands. The initiatives are aligned with the broader objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Digital India.
He said that among the special customer offerings is the Re. 1 Freedom 2.0 offer for new mobile subscribers. Under the offer, customers can access 1 GB data per day, 100 SMS per day and unlimited voice calls with a validity of 24 days by paying Re. 1.
BSNL has also introduced the Fiber Freedom Plan priced at ₹1,111 per month, offering speeds of up to 200 Mbps, monthly data of up to 5,000 GB and complimentary access to more than 25 premium over-the-top entertainment platforms.
He added that in another digital entertainment initiative, BSNL Entertainment TV, powered by Tango, allows mobile subscribers to access live television channels and on-demand content free of cost through the BSNL Selfcare application.
BSNL has also highlighted its Global Satellite Phone Services, which are designed to provide voice communication facilities in remote and sensitive locations where conventional mobile networks are not available.
In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the company is expanding high-speed fibre connectivity under the Amended BharatNet Programme. The programme currently covers 70 Gram Panchayats and is planned to be extended to seven Tribal Councils across the territory.
More than 10,000 Fiber-to-the-Home connections have already been commissioned under the programme, strengthening access to high-speed internet services in rural and remote areas. BSNL has also stated that fibre connectivity can be extended to non-GP areas and remote villages based on demand, with a minimum requirement of five connections.
The mobile network infrastructure in the Islands has also witnessed significant expansion. Under the Prime Minister’s initiative, BSNL has installed 85 new 4G towers and upgraded 70 existing sites to 4G, providing improved connectivity to more than one lakh rural subscribers.
A major achievement in wireless backhaul connectivity has been recorded with the establishment of an over-sea Unlicensed Band Radio link connecting Teressa Island with Kamorta. The link spans more than 48 kilometres over water and is aimed at overcoming the complex backhaul challenges involved in providing reliable connectivity to remote island locations.
The new link is serving as a major network hub and has enabled the mobile site at Bengali to be brought into the network. Two additional remote sites at Bambooka and Kanhaionot are also scheduled to be connected shortly.
Through these initiatives, BSNL has highlighted its continued efforts to expand telecommunications infrastructure and improve digital access across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, particularly in remote and geographically difficult areas, as the country celebrates its 80th Independence Day.
