Experiencing call drops, slow internet in New Delhi? Here's why
People in New Delhi may experience slow internet, network congestion and a rise in call drops as MCD has sealed 566 mobile towers, industry body Tower and Infrastructure Providers Association (TAIPA) said in a statement. Blaming the MCD, TAIPA added that the towers have been sealed "despite the fee deposit of Rs. 48 crore lying with municipal corporations." Here's more on this development.
TAIPA Director General Tilak Raj Dua said, "MCD's suo-moto coercive actions on sealing the mobile towers lead to solemn issues such as slow internet speed, network congestion and call drops etc." He added that the overall regressive act impacts the ease of doing business.
MCD and telecom industry have long been in a dispute over fees to be charged from companies for installing towers and operating sites. The telecom industry had challenged the Delhi tower policy, 2010 in Delhi High Court. Notably, the policy mandated Rs. 5 lakh for 5 years as permission fees and Rs. 1 lakh per operator for sharing and restriction on locations.
A mediation settlement was signed between the industry players and MCD in January 2017. Several provisions including deemed approval for 30 days, appointment of nodal officers were introduced and the fee was renegotiated to Rs. 1-2 lakh. However, TAIPA said, "The mediation settlement has still not been implemented down the line with the municipal corporation and have resulted into the sealing of critical infrastructure."
"There are 11,500 mobile towers installed in Delhi and 1,150 more are required for seamless coverage but they have been pending for the want of permission," TAIPA said in its statement.
