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Operators ask Centre to ensure pan India fibre optic network [Coimbatore] [Times of India]
[December 03, 2012]

Operators ask Centre to ensure pan India fibre optic network [Coimbatore] [Times of India]


(Times of India Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) COIMBATORE: Responding to the growing concern among the public over increasing number of mobile towers in crowded residential areas, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) made it clear that the association would reduce the number of towers once the Union government ensures a solid fibre optic network across the country.



Talking to TOI on the sidelines of the 8th International Telemedicine Conference, being held in Coimbatore, COAI associate director general, Vikram Tiwathia said fibre optic cables are more efficient and robus medium for ensuring connectivity. "It will be a win-win situation for all if the state and central governments ensure full connectivity across the country. We can do away with mobile towers. Presently, a bulk of our back office transmissions takes place on fibre optic networks," he said.

Allaying fears among public that mobile radiations were hazardous to health and are a possible cause for cancer, Tiwathia said that while the Electro Magnetic Fields (EMF) emitted by TV transmitters and radio transmitters were as high as 10,000 to 20,000 watts, EMF radiated by mobile phones were as low as 2-watts.


Commenting on the recent rupture in communication faced by Airtel and Aircell consumers, COAI associate director added that the situation arose due to the rise in anonymous SMSes and telemarketing calls. "Some larger networks require a termination fee whenever the service provider receives a marketing message or phone call. This is not acceptable to smaller networks that do not have deep pockets. But, the issue can be sorted among networks amicably," he said.

He also pointed out that the role of mobile could increase over the coming years if government decides taps the potential that connectivity provided. "While the number of people having a bank account in India is around 200 million, the number of mobile owners exceeds 800 million. If the government decides to promote commerce via mobile phones as done in smaller countries such as Indonesia and Kenya, we could see a revolution," he added.

(c) 2012 Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited

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