Union Culture and Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma Wednesday said the central government has finalised a scheme for procurement, registration and use of satellite phones by adventure tour operators.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, he said lack of communication facilities has affected some adventure sports like high altitude mountaineering and trekking.
"The ministry has finalised a scheme for procurement, registration and use of satellite phones by the tour operators which has been concurred to by the ministry of home affairs," said Sharma.
The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India had earlier requested the tourism ministry to lift the ban on use of satellite phones for tourism purposes.