Locals rue poor telecom connectivity

JAGATSINGHPUR:  Illegalconstruction of mobile towers near residential areas and schools pose a threat to people in rural areas of the district due to risk of exposure to electromagnetic radiation. Besides, poor connectivity issues have emerged as a cause of concern for telecom consumers who have appealed to Telephone Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to address the issue. Sources said TRAI had conducted a ‘consumer outreach programme’ here as part of its initiative to reach out to telecom consumers and other stakeholders of the telecom industry and to create awareness about various initiatives taken by it recently to protect the interests of consumers.

Issues related to poor broadband internet service by BSNL and illegal construction of towers near schools and residential areas in rural areas of the district were highlighted by the consumers at the programme. Consumers Bichitrananada Samal and Pramod Kumar Nayak expressed their dissatisfaction and appealed to Telephone Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to address the issue and said illegal construction of mobile towers can pose a hazard during natural calamities like cyclone.

They said several BSNL mobile towers in the district’s rural areas are not functioning properly as a result of which consumers have been deprived of telecom and internet services. Meanwhile, at a consumer outreach programme, organised by TRAI regional office, Hyderabad, G Suresh Reddy, Joint Director, said TRAI is committed to fulfil the demands of people.