The Centre on Wednesday approved implementation of the Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan for the North Eastern Region in Meghalaya at an estimated cost of Rs 3,911 crore. The approval was given by the Union cabinet, reported The Telegraph.
The plan will be funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund, created under the department of telecommunications, ministry of communication and information technology, to provide telecom services to rural and remote areas at affordable and reasonable prices.
A government communique said the scheme entails provision of 2G+4G mobile coverage in identified uncovered areas of Meghalaya and provision of 2G+4G seamless mobile coverage along the national highways in the state.
“Strengthening of telecom network will result in increase in penetration of mobile connectivity in Meghalaya, resulting in affordable and equitable access of communication, information and governance to people,” it said.
It also said providing access to public mobile network to hitherto unreached people of Meghalaya will empower citizens with benefits of information and communication technology for furthering socio-economic development. The innovative skill of uncovered areas will increase through broadband and Internet access, it added.
