BSNL launches stable Media Network: Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has announced the launch of a stable BSNL media network for Kalimpong District,

BSNL addressing persistent connectivity challenges in the region.

SNS | Kolkata | February 28, 2025 : Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has announced the launch of a stable BSNL media network for Kalimpong District, addressing persistent connectivity challenges in the region. The network was officially inaugurated at the 2025 Telecom Advisory Committee (TAC) meeting.

Kalimpong previously depended on a 144-km optical fibre cable (OFC) network via Sikkim, which was highly vulnerable to landslides and road damage. Frequent disruptions affected 1,277 FTTH customers, 48 lease circuits, and over 54,000 mobile connections, causing significant operational hurdles for government offices, banks, and private institutions. Mr Bista highlighted his persistent efforts to resolve the issue, stating, “At the last TAC meeting, I raised this concern and worked with the Telecom Ministry and BSNL leadership to find a solution.”

His discussions with Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and BSNL officials led to the approval of a 10G bandwidth contract from Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) in October 2024. After a successful six-month trial, the upgraded network is now fully operational.

Kalimpong looks forward to improved internet access

KalimNews, October 6, 2024 : Residents of Kalimpong district can expect a significant improvement in BSNL internet services as the installation of the PGCIL (Power Grid Corporation of India) fibre network from Siliguri to Kalimpong has been successfully completed. The announcement was made by Darjeeling M.P. Raju Bista on Sunday.

He expressed his satisfaction with the development. According to Bista, BSNL officers had confirmed that the fibre connection had been put in place and was ready for activation. He had requested that the service be formally launched on Monday, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Navaratri.

Bista also extended his gratitude to PGCIL for approving his request to lease the bandwidth for the new service, which would provide much-needed support to the area. This development was expected to resolve long-standing issues of internet connectivity disruptions, particularly during the monsoon season when landslides frequently damaged cables along the route.

"With the new PGCIL fibre in place, the people of Kalimpong will finally have access to a more reliable internet connection through BSNL. This will benefit not only the common people but also critical government institutions, including banks, post offices, police stations, defence establishments, and courts," Bista said. He emphasized how unstable connectivity had hindered public and administrative work when the network was down.

He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, for their support in ensuring stable network services for the region. Bista expressed his hope that the improved internet speeds would particularly benefit the youth in Kalimpong, allowing them to explore greater opportunities through faster broadband.

This new development is expected to bring much-needed relief to the residents of Kalimpong, offering a more reliable and efficient communication network for all.

Courtesy & source- Echo of India