Telcos need to invest in infra to address call drops: Ravi Shankar Prasad

Also says telcos need to optimise their networks

Telecom operators need to invest in their infrastructure to resolve the increasing call drops situation, besides taking remedial measures, according to communications and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

"Operators will have to find remedial measures. Response for this problem has to come from them. They need to invest more in the infrastructure. The quality of services should not be put on a back burner," Prasad said.

Also, telcos need to optimise their networks, install new towers and take proactive measures, he said.

"We will take care of the policy issues including installation of BTS sites on government buildings. Will also ask municipal bodies and state governments to treat towers as integral part of basic services," the minister said.

The call drops has worsened in the last 6-7 months. Telecom operators have been blaming the situation on shutting down of tower sites coupled with radiation fears where many don't let operators install towers and spectrum constraints as the major reasons for call drops.They have said that about 7,000-10,000 sites have been locked or shut down across major cities and have sought a uniform national policy for installation of mobile towers.

"They (operators) can't escape responsibility and accountability and need to rise to the occasion. This is a serious concern impacting the country," Prasad said.

The department of telecommunications has been meeting telcos over the last few months to understand the problems and take measures for resolving the situation. "The government is proactive as far as facilitation is concerned but the answer of the problem has to come from them (telecom players)," he said.