Satellite bandwidth capacity in Lakshadweep to increase by December

NEW DELHI: The existing satellite bandwidth capacity linking mainland and Lakshadweep Islands is all set to be enhanced at a capital investment of Rs 46.5 crore by December 2016, Lok Sabha was informed today.

"The Department proposes to enhance the existing satellite bandwidth capacity linking mainland to Lakshadweep islands from 102 Mbps to 318 Mbps, which will require capital investment of Rs 46.5 crore. The work has been awarded to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd ( BSNL)," Minister of State for Communications, Manoj Sinha said in a written reply.

Further, in a bid to improve connectivity, Department of Telecom is studying the feasibility of laying submarine Optical Fibre Cable between Kochi and Lakshadweep Islands.

Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd ( TCIL) will carry out the study in this regard.

"Work of setting up 10 mobile towers in Lakshadweep Islands has also been given to BSNL. BSNL has prepared the Detailed Project Report and cost estimates," he said.