Current AffairsAsianet Newsableprelims

Chhattisgarh to operationalize 1,056 BSNL towers by Dec 2026

UPSC / SSC current affairs note

InfrastructureGovernment Policies

Why in news

Chhattisgarh has set a target to make 1,056 BSNL mobile towers operational by December 2026 to improve digital connectivity. The state has also secured approval for the BharatNet Phase III project worth Rs 3,928 crore and proposed an additional 2,300 towers to the Centre.

Background

Chhattisgarh has faced challenges in digital connectivity, especially in rural and remote areas. The state government has been working with BSNL and the central government to expand telecom infrastructure under various schemes.

Key facts

in5points
  1. Chhattisgarh aims to make 1,056 BSNL mobile towers operational by December 2026.

  2. The state has proposed 2,300 additional BSNL towers to the Centre.

  3. Approval has been received for the BharatNet Phase III project worth Rs 3,928 crore.

  4. The initiatives aim to boost digital connectivity in the state.

Prelims pointers

  • BSNL: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, a public sector telecom company.
  • BharatNet: A central government project to connect gram panchayats with high-speed internet.
  • Phase III of BharatNet focuses on expanding optical fibre network.
  • Chhattisgarh: A state in central India.

Mains angles

  • GS3: Infrastructure – Role of telecom in digital inclusion and economic growth.
  • GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in regions with connectivity gaps.