Mobile connectivity ‘crosses’ Indo-Bangladesh border

Networks of Bangladeshi companies like Grameen Phone and Robi are strong well inside the Indian territory where local network is yet to reach, The Shillong Times reported on Monday.

The Indian newspaper, however, described the strong connectivity of Bangladeshi cellular companies there as a major threat to India’s national security.

Mobile phone connectivity in the border areas of Ranikor and Maheshkhola in South West Khasi Hills in Indian state of Meghalaya “remains zero despite promises of better coverage” by service providers there, the Times said.

Referring to a field visit, it mentioned that hardly any Indian mobile service provider has extended its coverage to the border towns.

“A few locals in Maheshkhola admitted that signals of Bangladeshi service providers are easily available in their areas,” the newspaper said in the report titled “Indo-Bangladesh border areas in mobile connectivity grey zone”.

The newspaper also quoted an official of the Border Security Force (BSF) as saying, “We are relying on our wireless communication and sometimes we have to go to specific locations for network.”

Source: Prothom Alo