Unfair to blame operators for call drops; allow more sites for cell towers : ASSOCHAM to Govt

Expressing concern over steadily deteriorating situation with regard to call drops in mobile networks, ASSOCHAM today pointed out it is unfair to put the blame on the operators only since many of the critical factors causing the problem are not within the control of the telecom industry.

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Explaining the technical aspects of the paper, Mr. T V Ramachandran, Chairman of ASSOCHAM Telecom Council stated that fundamentally, once a cellular network has been set up and stabilized, call drops can only happen either if there is inadequate spectrum or there is not enough networks of towers to achieve satisfactory signal coverage of the service area. “Regrettably, in India, we suffer from both these serious handicaps”.

Concerned that the situation is more worrisome in metros like Delhi and Mumbai, Mr. Ramachandran said, due to unjustified and unfounded concerns in some quarters regarding EMF exposure, the industry is not being allowed to set up cell sites and towers at the right places. The difficulty is further compounded by municipalities and civic administrations which do not cooperate to give the necessary permissions for tower installations.

Also read: Call drops: Maximum complaints against Airtel, followed by Vodafone

According to TRAI data, at least 523 sites in Delhi and 801 sites in Mumbai were shut down in the past six months due to alleged radiation scares or issues with municipalities. As many as 25 towers are shut down each week in Mumbai. Shutting down one tower would not only affect the 700 or more subscribers attached to the tower but also impact the performance of at least half a dozen towers adjoining the sealed tower.