Union Cabinet approves CTDP for North-east

A Correspondent

Shillong, May 23: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has approved the implementation of a Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP) for the North Eastern Region (NER) in Meghalaya.

The total estimated project cost of Rs 3911 crore will be funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) and approval of the enhanced cost of CTDP Project for the North-eastern region for an amount of Rs 8120.81 crore out of which Rs 5336.18 crore was already approved by the Cabinet on September 10, 2014.

The scheme entails, provision of 2G+4G mobile coverage in identified uncovered areas of the State of Meghalaya; and provision of 2G+4G seamless mobile coverage along the National Highways in Meghalaya.

The benefits of the CTDP is that it will strengthen telecom network and will result in increase in the penetration of mobile connectivity in Meghalaya resulting in affordable and equitable access of communication, information and governance to people.

Similarly, the plan will provide access to public mobile network to hitherto unreached people of Meghalaya.It will empower citizens with benefits of ICTs for furthering socio-economic developments. Also, the innovative skill of uncovered areas will increase through broadband and internet access.