With reference to the column, "Why calls drop" (August 28), the issue has assumed national importance with the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself. It is not a small matter as every instance of call drop brings more revenue to private telecom companies. In all fairness, they seem to have stage-managed the issue by taking shelter in technicalities like shortage of communication towers and unavailability of spectrum.
The Centre has already asked the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India to consider introducing the system of charging calls on per second basis instead of the current pro-telco mechanism of charging the same on 60-second basis. This would bring relief to consumers. This apart, the setting up of mobile towers atop government buildings instead of residential areas due to fear of radiation emission hazards is also gaining ground.
Finding a solution that will not hamper further expansion of spectrum volume available to telcos will likely not be easy as there is always a cost attached to it. Ultimately, the government has to take the final call.
However, consumers may soon get some good news as the PM is gung-ho about implementing his 'Digital India' initiative.
S Kumar New Delhi
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