COAI, the leading representative body for the Indian telecommunications industry, has appreciated the Manipur government for its efforts to safeguard and secure telecommunication infrastructure in the state.
The Manipur government has issued a memorandum to all Deputy Commissioners, Director (IT) and Joint Director (IT) directing them to be vigilant in taking quick and necessary action in safeguarding the telecommunication and digital infrastructure in their jurisdiction.
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COAI in a letter to the Manipur Chief Secretary highlighted the importance of protecting the telecom and digital infrastructure in the state for the benefit of the general public.
Supporting the directives proposed by COAI, the Manipur Chief Secretary has instructed all Deputy Commissioners in Manipur to take legal action against people damaging or obstructing the duly approved existing/upcoming telecom infrastructure.
He has also requested the concerned authorities to take strict legal action against miscreants spreading false information related to EMF emission from mobile towers to obstruct the installation of telecom infrastructure.
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In addition to this, the government has also instructed the concerned authorities to share the approvals for tower/OFC installation with the nearest SHO to prevent any delays in the administrative jurisdiction, said a press statement.
Lt. Gen. Dr. SP Kochhar, Director General, COAI said, “Telecommunication services have played a vital role in maintaining uninterrupted connectivity during the pandemic.”
“The essential nature of the telecommunications sector has been recognised and highlighted by the government in their policies. The telecommunication sites are constructed for a greater public interest at hand.”
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“But, unfortunately, due to prevailing EMF myths and misconceptions regarding radiation from telecom infrastructure, Telecom Service Providers face challenges in maintaining/upgrading the telecom infrastructure despite having all the necessary permissions from the concerned departments,” Kochhar said.
“We have been working with the authorities to also break down myths surrounding telecom towers such as EMF radiation etc. We hope that this step take by Manipur Govt. will help in continuing to work towards developing a digitally connected country,” Kochhar added.
Telecom service is a public utility and growth engine for the socio-economic development of the country.
For socio-economic progress, there is a need for a strong telecom industry that forms the bedrock by providing a robust network of mobile towers to boost connectivity, the statement added.