Itanagar: In a historic milestone, 254 4G mobile towers were dedicated to the nation by Union Minister for Communications, Electronics & IT and Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State of Communications Devusinh Chauhan and Arunachal Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein.
These towers will provide 4G coverage in hitherto uncovered villages, thereby bringing digital connectivity to 336 villages with over 30,000 residents, including several areas which have remained unconnected since Independence. Over 70,000 subscribers are expected to benefit from this service.
With telecom connectivity being a regular agenda in CM Pragati meetings – monthly reviews of concerned departments and districts, concerted efforts by Government of India and Government of Arunachal Pradesh helped materialize giving digital connectivity to the country’s ‘first village’ (remote border villages).
These towers were constructed under Government of India’s Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) – courtesy of regular monitoring of construction by the Ministry of Communications, the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary.
The Centre has approved 2,605 4G mobile towers for providing connectivity to more than 3,721 villages in Arunachal Pradesh with a total outlay of Rs 2,675 crore.
Access to high-speed network connectivity is being ensured for the state of Arunachal Pradesh through various schemes and projects such as ‘Comprehensive telecom development plan for the North-Eastern Region’.
‘Provisioning of Mobile Services in Uncovered Villages of Arunachal Pradesh and 2 Districts of Assam’ and 4G saturation project. Soon after the launch of the 254 4G mobile towers, Dy Chief Minister Chowna Mein wrote on his Twitter handle: “In a historic milestone, 336 villages in Arunachal received 4G services today. Thanks to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju ji for launching 254 4G mobile towers in the virtual presence of CM Pema Khandu ji, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw ji, and MoS Devusinh Chauhan ji.’
Among the 336 villages, villages like Hunli lacked connectivity since Independence. Today, we’ve changed that for the people of Hunli and other border villages who will immensely benefit from the digital connectivity established by GoAP with support from GoI.
We’re bridging the gap in digital connectivity, especially in the remote pockets of Arunachal, & taking our nation closer to achieving SDG & India vision 2047.
All thanks to PM Narendra Modi ji for prioritising development in Northeast India.”
“Momentous occasion for the people of Arunachal Pradesh as 254 4G mobile towers were dedicated to the nation. This high-speed internet facility to 336 remote villages will transform the lives of the people. The border people are extending their gratitude to PM Narendra Modi Ji,” Rijiju tweeted.
