Pathetic BSNL service irks consumers

Our Correspondent

Itagar, February 10: Expressing concern over the worsening Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) cell phone services, the consumers in East Siang district have alleged that the Centre was allowing the BSNL services to deteriorate for paving the way for privatisation of the central government enterprise.

Network congestion in BSNL has become a major headache for the Cell-One subscribers in East Siang and other adjoining areas.

“Disruption of network and internet service is a common phenomenon in the areas like Ruksin, Pasighat and Pangin, Boleng and other hilly areas and even having a cell phone recharged is a big problem for them as the process is clumsy and the server remains down most of the time,” the aggrieved consumers alleged.

The officials of BSNL pointed towards the weak transmission system as prime cause of the poor service. Officials admitted that the BSNL authority is yet to introduce hi-tech data transmission system in the base stations.

The BSNL authority is yet to upgrade the existing G.Hartz Alogue (operating) system to Digital system, which is causing a major impediment in providing smooth GSM and other network services.

The existing transmission connectivity in the state has been provided under Eastern Telecom Region (ETR) through Sepakhowa (Tinsukia) of Assam through. The ETR includes Sikkim, Bihar and other NE states.

According to officials, weak transmission system, lack of ‘Inter-district transmission route’ in the state and frequent cutting of the mainline cable (by miscreants) in Assam are the reasons for interruption of BSNL service.

Sources said that over Rs 45 crore meant for monthly bill against BSNL Landline, WLL and other services is remained unpaid in the state. Non- payment of bill and stealing of cable has caused halt in service in many transmission stations.

As of now, the BSNL has 11 transmission stations in East Siang district covering more than 24,000 GSM and around 2,000 WLL subscribers, which are not enough to meet the rising demand.

The BSNL authority is all set to launch some other additiol transmission stations at Rotte Libang, Kebang and Mebo areas in the district to met the raising the consumers demand.