Poor Border Connectivity, Biplab and Rajib Pushes For More BSNL Towers in Tripura
Sep 27, 2026
Agartala, Sep 26: Poor network coverage along Tripura's border stretches, in some cases extending nearly 10 kilometres inside Indian territory, came under sharp focus on Saturday as MP Biplab Kumar Deb pushed for additional telecom towers during a BSNL review meeting in Agartala. The West Tripura Lok Sabha MP was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Telecom Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting held at BSNL's headquarters in Agartala's Kaman Chowmuhani. Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee and senior BSNL officials were also present at the meeting.
"Tripura shares a long international border, and network problems still persist in several border areas. In many stretches, Indian SIM networks simply do not work for nearly 10 kilometres," Deb said, adding that setting up more towers along the border would significantly improve communication. He further said, "Strengthening our domestic telecom network in border areas is not just about connectivity for ordinary people, it is also a matter of security. Where Indian towers are lacking, Bangladeshi mobile signals are reaching almost 15 kilometres into our territory, which is a serious security concern."
Deb added that improved domestic network coverage would also help security agencies during investigations. "If our own telecom network expands, security agencies will find it easier to access call records and other data when needed," he said. He also referred to past restrictions on international roaming in the Northeast. "Some restrictions were imposed earlier due to militant activities. They were later lifted, though implementation took some time. That issue has now been resolved," he said.
On technology upgrades, Deb noted that BSNL's 4G coverage in Tripura had expanded considerably, but questioned the pace of 5G rollout. "We need to examine why 5G services in Tripura are yet to gain the expected momentum," he said, adding that the TAC meeting would review progress on issues raised earlier and decide which matters needed to be taken up with the central government.
