West Tripura MP Biplab Kumar Deb urges BSNL to strengthen telecom networks in Tripura’s border and hilly areas, address connectivity gaps, and accelerate 5G rollout to improve public communication and support national security needs.
West Tripura Lok Sabha MP Biplab Kumar Deb has called for urgent strengthening of BSNL’s telecommunication network in the border and hilly areas of Tripura, highlighting the need for reliable connectivity for residents as well as national security requirements.
Deb raised the issues during the Telecom Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting held at the BSNL headquarters at Kaman Chowmuhani in Agartala. The meeting focused on reviewing the existing telecom infrastructure in the state, identifying network gaps and discussing measures to improve connectivity across different parts of Tripura.
According to Deb, several villages and stretches along the international border continue to face serious connectivity problems. He pointed out that in some areas, Indian mobile SIM cards reportedly fail to provide network service for nearly 10 kilometres, while signals from mobile networks operating across the border can reportedly reach around 15 kilometres inside Indian territory.
The MP said the issue affects not only the daily communication needs of people living in remote and border areas but also has implications for national security. He stressed the need for stronger domestic telecom coverage so that residents can remain connected and security agencies can access communication-related information when required during investigations.
Deb urged BSNL to expand the number of telecom towers and strengthen network infrastructure along the border. He said improved coverage would provide better communication facilities to people living in remote locations while also supporting the requirements of security and law enforcement agencies.
During the meeting, the MP also reviewed issues raised during previous Telecom Advisory Committee meetings. These included BSNL infrastructure, customer services, employment generation and network expansion. He said the latest meeting provided an opportunity to assess the progress made on earlier concerns and identify issues that may require intervention or escalation at the central government level.
The rollout of advanced telecom services also featured prominently in the discussions. Deb acknowledged that BSNL has expanded its 4G network coverage in Tripura, but raised concerns over the pace and reach of 5G services in the state. He sought clarity from officials regarding the progress of 5G rollout and whether the expansion is taking place at the required pace.
The MP said adequate telecom infrastructure is particularly important for Tripura because of its geographical location and long international border. Reliable mobile and data connectivity, he noted, is essential for residents, businesses and government services, while improved infrastructure can also strengthen communication capabilities in sensitive areas.
Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee also attended the Telecom Advisory Committee meeting and participated in discussions with senior BSNL officials. In a post following the meeting, Bhattacharjee said discussions focused on strengthening telecommunication infrastructure, expanding network coverage and ensuring seamless connectivity for the people of Tripura.
The meeting also revisited the issue of international roaming restrictions that had earlier been imposed in parts of the Northeast amid security concerns. Deb recalled that although such restrictions were subsequently removed, implementation had taken time and connectivity conditions have since improved.
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The discussions have renewed attention on telecom infrastructure in Tripura’s border and hilly regions. Strengthening BSNL’s network, expanding coverage and addressing the pace of 5G rollout remain key issues as the state seeks improved digital connectivity across urban, rural and strategically sensitive areas.
