Network providers may be penalised for call drops: Govt

Network providers may be penalised for call drops: Govt

Network providers may be penalised for call drops: Govt Updated on : 12-06-2015 03:33 PM

In these times, when the phone has become the primary tool to stay connected, it gets a little annoying when it is marred by weak signals and poor reception - leaving us with either incomprehensible speech, call drops or simply, no network.

Now the government plans to use carrot and stick policy for mobile companies in a bid to solve the problem.

 In an exclusive chat with DD News....Telecom and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that network providers could soon be penalised for the increased rate in call drops - a condition that is attributed to lack of spectrum and lesser mobile towers.

 Recently the PMO stepped in and took up the issue of call drops and poor connectivity in Delhi hospitals.

 It directed the Telecom Ministry to take corrective steps and sought a report in the matter but what is reason of call drops.

Paucity Of Mobile Towers

There are only 4.25 lakh mobile phone towers in India vs at least 6.25 lakh towers needed.

Shortage Of Space For Installing Radiation Towers

Radiation concerns have led many people not to renew their leases to provide space for installing towers.

Exponential Growth In Data Traffic

Surging growth in data traffic and voice usage are not met by adequate spectrum supply.

 Operators in India hold on an average 12-15MHz of airwaves vs 40-45MHz globally.

Lack Of Capital Expenditure

 Mobile phone companies have cut capital expenditure on towers due to financial limitations through years of competition.

Tips to avoid the problem

 --Install boosters to strengthen weak signals.

 --In areas of weak signal strength, go to settings, turn off location services

 --Switch to 2G from 3G which will decongests network, allowing better quality voice calls

 --Turn Off Mobile Data, turning off mobile data will free up network for calls and

 --Use wifi where every you can.

 In India, on an average, after every 4-5 calls, a caller faces a problem of call drop.

 Clearly a problem which everyone faces and everyone is waiting for an early solution.