Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 9 June 2021
Mobile network of BSNL at Katchal is down since the last three days. Katchal Island has not been connected through the CANI Submarine OFC and still relies on Satellite Bandwidth for all communications.
One resident of Katchal called up Nicobar Times from a particular spot on the Island which receives a weak signal from nearby Kamorta Island, he informed that there is no permanent staff of BSNL at Katchal and BSNL is relying on an unqualified DRM to maintain its mobile network in the Island.
Nicobar Times spoke to SDO, Car Nicobar who informed us that the satellite equipment at Katchal has developed some snag and will have to be replaced. He further added that the equipment is ready and arrangements will have to be made to transport it.
The regular helicopter services in Andaman and Nicobar Islands was suspended earlier due to the COVID-19 situation.
Andaman and Nicobar Administration should immediately deploy a helicopter to carry the equipment so that the lone mobile network of BSNL can be restored at Katchal.