GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

LOK SABHA

UNSTARREDQUESTION NO: 3402

ANSWERED ON: 14.12.2011

SHARED MOBILE INFRASTRUCTURE SCHEME UNDER USOF 

(a) whether some telecom operators have failed/delayed to start their services in rural areas under the shared mobile infrastructure scheme under Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF); 

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor, operator-wise; 

(c) the subsidy provided by the Government to telecom operators under the scheme during the last three years and the current year, operator-wise; 

(d) the details of circles where these operators were supposed to provide the services; 

(e) the action taken by the Government against the defaulting operators, operator-wise;

  (f) whether the Government has set up a panel to ascertain the reasons for delay in providing mobile services in rural areas under USOF Scheme; and 

(g) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard?

ANSWER 

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI MILIND DEORA) 

 (a)&(b) Yes, Madam. The details of commissioning of Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) by the operators under the Shared Mobile Infrastructure Scheme of Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) are given in Annexure-I. 

There are no congent reasons put forth by Universal Service Providers for the delay in rollout.   

(c) The details of the subsidy provided by the Government to telecom operators under the scheme during last three years and the current years, operator-wise are given in Annexure-II. 

 (d) The details of Circles where telecom operators (Service Providers) were supposed to provide mobile services under the scheme are given in Annexure-III.   

(e) to (g) Yes, Madam. The Government has set up a Committee on 15th July, 2011 under the Chairmanship of Secretary(Telecom) to consider all aspects of delay in rollout of mobile services under Shared Mobile Infrastructure Scheme of USOF and suggest appropriate action that may be required to be taken in the facts and circumstances of the cases. The Committee has submitted its report recently and the same is under examination.