BSNL strengthens networks in extremism-affected zones with additional towers

Indian state-owned telecoms operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has placed purchase orders for an additional 156 telecom towers, as part of a programme to strengthen mobile networks in areas affected by left wing extremism (LWE). The Economic Times cites a senior BSNL official as saying that the towers are expected to be installed by the end of July this year, and be supplied by vendor partners Vihaan Networks and HFCL. The rollout is an extension of the government’s INR35.7 billion (USD545.88 million) project to deploy 2,199 new towers in ten Naxalite-affected states, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Chattisgarh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.