Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is planning to approach the Ministry of Communications and IT to allow Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in the north eastern region. The North eastern states are barred from MNP for security reasons. The remaining states have implemented full MNP on July 3, 2015.
BSNL has also stated that over 100 towers located in remote areas of the region have been shut down due to cost overrun. These towers were earlier funded by the centre under the Universal Service Obligation (USO) scheme. However, the centre has recently approved a proposal to implement a comprehensive development plan for the north eastern region at a cost of over Rs 53.36 billion aimed at connecting 8,617 villages.
This project includes providing 2G mobile service in uncovered areas and commissioning transmission networks by September 2016. BSNL will also provide Wi-Fi connectivity at important tourist places, spanning 44 locations in Meghalaya, 35 in Mizoram and 94 in Tripura.
