At least 2,792 unconnected villages in Odisha will be connected with 4G service, including the highest 465 villages in Kandhamal. Digital inclusion and connectivity for all is an integral part of ‘Antyodaya’ vision of the Union Government.
The total cost of the project is Rs 26,316 crore and it will provide 4G mobile services in 24,680 uncovered villages in remote and difficult areas across India.
The project has a provision to include 20% additional villages on account of rehabilitation, new settlements, withdrawal of services by existing operators etc. In addition, 6,279 villages having only 2G/3G connectivity shall be upgraded to 4G.
The Union Cabinet had in July this year approved the project for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages. The project is a significant step towards providing mobile connectivity in rural areas. It would promote delivery of various e-governance services, banking services, telemedicine, tele-education, etc., through mobile broadband and generate employment in rural areas.
Notably, the comprehensive list of ‘uncovered villages for mobile 4G services’ include 57 villages in Angul.
In addition, Balangir district has seven villages, Baleswar (11), Bargarh (12), Boudh (118), Bhadrak (16), Cuttack (37), Deogarh (83), Dhenkanal (10), Gajapati (238), Ganjam (194), Jagatsinghpur (02), Jajpur (41), Jharsugurda (03), Kalahandi (203), Kandhamal (465), Kendrapada (07), Kendujhar (80), Khordha (09), Koraput (170), Malkangiri (102), Mayurbhanj (165), Nabarangpur (15), Nayagarh (130), Nuapada (28), Puri (04), Rayagada (203), Sambalpur (81), Subarnapur (05) and Sundargarh (196).