Indian government shedding its apprehensions on the safety and security concern on the issue of installation of mobile towers on defense land has allowed telecom operators to do same now. After this landmark shift in policy of government telecom operators would be able to install their towers in 62 cantonments and more than hundred military base stations in and around the country.

 

Priyranjan Dasmunsi, Information and Broadcasting Minister talking with reporters said that the decision will help in improving the quality of communication services in cantonments and military stations. Earlier telecom operators were not allowed to install their towers or lay fiber lines for national security reasons. Now under new policy telecom operators would be able to build, operate and maintain unified access services, basic services, and cellular mobile services.

 

The minister added that in the absence of mobile towers and cable networks, the coverage is far from satisfactory in defense areas. Further he said that while security considerations will be kept in mind the decision of policy change will help army personnel connect with their families and others instantly and accurately. He opined that today the most of soldiers have their own mobiles and want better connectivity.