TRAI Recommends Immediate VSAT Connectivity To Bridge Digital Divide In HP

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Monday released several recommendations to bridge the extant digital divide in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The recommendations include VSAT-based backhaul connectivity for all villages where Optical Fiber Communication (OFC) or other backhaul media is not currently available.

TRAI has identified four worst-affected far-flung revenue districts in the Himachal Pradesh namely Lahaul and Spiti, Chamba, Kullu and Mandi. To extend better connectivity in these areas, the telecom body has recommended that the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) and Operating Expenditure (OPEX) required for providing telecom infrastructure and connectivity to the 25 uncovered villages (falling under the abovementioned revenue districts should be funded by Government through Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).

Additionally, TRAI recommended cellular mobile infrastructure at 38 villages having non-4G based coverage to be upgraded to 4G-based telecom service under the 20 per cent additional scope that exists in USOF sponsored “Saturation Of 4G Mobile Services in Uncovered Villages Across the Country”.

The telecom body recommended that for 4G saturation scheme, USOF should initially plan VSAT-based backhaul connectivity for all such villages where OFC or other backhaul media is not currently available.

“The VSAT equipment can be taken on monthly rental model or other prevailing models including shared bandwidth model. The VSAT connectivity can be surrendered as soon as the OFC backhaul is made available,” TRAI said.

Apart from providing mobile coverage to uncovered villages, a core transmission backhaul network in a ring structure covering all tehsils/talukas should also be funded through USOF, TRAI said. The body said it will work on a detailed investment plan for the same and will recommend it separately.