Odisha sets deadline to fix mobile network gaps, expand broadband connectivity

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has stepped up efforts to eliminate mobile network gaps and expand high-capacity broadband connectivity across the state, with Chief Secretary Anu Garg directing telecom operators and concerned agencies to prepare time-bound plans to address connectivity issues, particularly in uncovered and border areas.

The directions were issued during the eighth meeting of the State Broadband Committee, chaired by Garg at Lok Seva Bhawan on Monday. The meeting reviewed the state’s digital connectivity infrastructure and discussed coordinated measures to resolve implementation bottlenecks.

Garg directed the Department of Telecommunications, cellular operators and broadband service providers to identify locations that remain outside network coverage and prepare a time-bound plan to connect them.

Complaints received by the state government from MPs, MLAs and district administrations regarding poor or unavailable mobile connectivity will also be examined and corrective measures taken.

The Chief Secretary further called for consideration of stronger signal standards to improve mobile service quality, particularly in rural areas.

The meeting reviewed the progress of projects being implemented under the Digital Bharat Nidhi for 4G saturation, Aspirational Districts and areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism.

The projects are being implemented in coordination with the Department of Telecommunications, the Electronics and Information Technology Department and district administrations.

Concerned agencies were directed to resolve issues relating to road connectivity to mobile tower sites by December 2026 and complete the remaining project work within the prescribed timelines.

The meeting also stressed the need to issue land-related No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to BSNL on priority for installation of mobile towers under Categories 5 and 6.

Pending cases are to be expedited through closer coordination between BSNL and district administrations.

District Collectors from across Odisha participated in the meeting virtually and apprised officials of the network situation and connectivity requirements in their respective districts.

Garg appreciated the efforts of the Electronics and Information Technology Department, power distribution companies, urban local bodies and state public sector undertakings in implementing Right of Way (RoW) reforms and the SASCI initiative.

The state government’s efforts under these initiatives have made Odisha eligible for more than ₹150 crore in central assistance, officials said.

The meeting also reviewed the revised BharatNet project. A tripartite agreement has already been signed between the Department of Telecommunications, BSNL and the Odisha government for implementation of the project.

BSNL and its selected implementation partners have been asked to accelerate the work and complete it within the agreed three-year timeframe.

The Chief Secretary stressed that specific responsibilities should be assigned to concerned agencies, with clear deadlines for every task to ensure regular monitoring and accountability.

The Electronics and Information Technology Department was directed to maintain regular coordination with the Department of Telecommunications, BSNL and district administrations.

Unresolved issues are to be escalated immediately to higher authorities so that bottlenecks can be addressed without delay.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Electronics and IT Department Vishal Kumar Dev, secretaries of various concerned departments and representatives of telecommunications companies attended the meeting.

The state government said the coordinated approach is aimed at strengthening Odisha’s digital infrastructure and ensuring that reliable mobile and broadband connectivity reaches underserved areas, including rural, border and remote locations.