The total project cost is around Rs. 1232 crores with CAPEX cost of around Rs.956.00 crores and OPEX cost for five years is around 276.00 crores.
23 May 2018
Inadequate internet bandwidth and inconsistent telecom connectivity have been major challenges for A&N Administration to implement various developmental schemes apart from generating avenues for employment for local youths. In order to make a comprehensive Telecom Plan, A&N Administration approached Department of Telecommunication (DOT) and on the request Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) carried out a detailed study for improving telecom services in A&N Islands (ANI) and recommended various measures to improve Island-Mainland and Inter-islands connectivity both on short term and long term basis.
The laying of undersea optical fibre cable project between Chennai and Port Blair and six islands (viz. Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Havelock, Kamorta, Campbell Bay and Long Islands) is a long term solution recommended by TRAI. This was perused by A&N Administration at the highest level and accordingly Union Cabinet under the chairmanship of Prime Minister approved the project in September 2016. The project is anchored by DOT and implemented by BSNL. The total project cost is around Rs. 1232 crores with CAPEX cost of around Rs.956.00 crores and OPEX cost for five years is around 276.00 crores. The BSNL has issued the advance work order to Japanese firm on 22.05.2018. The project will be completed within 24 months.
