BSNL Ordered to Shut Down Mobile Network Along Nepali Border

Indian state owned operator, BSNL has been ordered to shut-down its mobile network along the India-Nepal border due to security concerns - reports the Economic Times newspaper.

"All the BTS towers of BSNL mobile established in all Nepal bordering districts including Basti, Balrampur, Bahraich, Gorakhpur, Shrawasti, Siddharthnagar and Maharajganj have been jammed," a top official of telecommunication ministry said on condition of anonymity.

"By taking this step we have tried to chop off a helping hand of those involved in anti-India activities on Indo-Nepal border," the official added.

Quite what the concerns were and why they only just flared up now was not clarified. None of the private operators have base stations in the area.

The Indian government routinely changes the rules about networks offering mobile coverage along the border with Pakistan, and services are restricted in the contested Kashmir region.

On the web: Economic Times

Posted to the site on 2nd March 2009