Chandigarh plans to improve telecom service quality

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 2

With a view to strengthening the quality of telecom services, the UT Administration has notified its right of way (RoW) policy – 2021 to regulate underground and overhead (mobile tower) infrastructure.

This policy intends to promote installation of in-build solution (IBS) in areas with poor connectivity in terms of weak signal strength inside offices, shopping malls, hospitals, multi- storey buildings and education institutions.

Policy at a glance

• Additional District Magistrate designated to give permission for installation of telecom infrastructure.
• Installation of in-build solution in areas with poor connectivity will be promoted.
• Installation of micro communication equipment or pole will also be encouraged where installation of mobile towers may not be feasible.
• The Department of IT will develop a single-window electronic application process for submission of applications relating to right of way.
• The Energy Department to give priority in providing power connection to mobile towers and telecom equipment installations.

The policy also intends to promote installation of micro communication equipment or pole where installation of mobile towers may not be feasible.

To ease out the process of obtaining permission for installation of telecom infrastructure, the Additional District Magistrate has been designated as the empowered authority.

Further, the Department of Information Technology will develop a single-window electronic application process within a period of six months from the date of coming into force of this policy for submission of all applications relating to right of way.

Other departments/local authorities or agencies involved in the present policy will appoint a nodal officer within a period of seven days from the date of notification of this policy to receive and process the applications in this regard. The particulars and contact details of such nodal officers will be published on the website of such department/local authority or agency.

The licensee/applicant will submit application with all relevant information and documents to the appropriate authority, which will issue permit/permission to the licensee/applicant.

Mobile communication tower being a critical infrastructure, the Energy Department will give a priority in providing power connection to mobile towers and telecom equipment installations. It will be provided within 14 days from the date of submission of application and relevant documents. Power distribution companies should ensure that disconnection of power, if required, is executed with prior written notice of at least 30 days.