DoT Secy urges states to speed up clearances for field staff for uninterrupted coverage

Kolkata: Telecom secretary Anshu Prakash has urged all states and union territories (UTs) to speed up clearances to field staff of telcos, tower operators and internet service providers (ISPs) across India to ensure uninterrupted mobile and broadband connectivity to consumers amid the deadly second wave of Covid19.

“….telecommunications being an essential service, it is requested that all personnel engaged in providing and maintaining mobile, internet and telecom infrastructure services be issued the necessary permissions and passes, including for travel by local train/public transport, to enable all (consumers) to stay connected, even in the eventuality of lockdowns and restrictions on movement imposed by states and UTs,” Prakash said in identical letters, dated April 27, to all state chief secretaries. ET has seen a copy of the letter.