Parliament Question: 5G services in Konkan region

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2249 TO BE ANSWERED ON 12TH MARCH, 2026 5G SERVICES IN KONKAN REGION 2249 # SHRI DHAIRYASHIL MOHAN PATIL: Will the Minister of Communications be pleased to state: (a) whether Government is aware of call drops, low throughput, weak RSRP, and indoor coverage inconsistencies during the monsoon in Konkan region despite the 5G NSA rollout; (b) the district-wise number of active 5G gNodeBs/BTSs in Konkan since 2022, the spectrum bands being used, and the percentage of fiberized towers; and (c) the details of measures proposed for network densification, backhaul strengthening and timely corrective actions to ensure seamless 5G? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR) (a) As per Performance Monitoring Report published by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for the month of January 2026 for Access (Wireless) Service, all Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) are meeting Quality of Service (QoS) benchmarks for Maharashtra License Service Area (LSA) which includes Konkan region of Maharashtra. (b) District-wise number of 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) as on 28.02.2026 is given below: Sl. No. Name of District Grand Total 1 Palghar 1677 2 Thane 6319 3 Raigad 1960 4 Ratnagiri 474 5 Sindhudurg 259 6 Mumbai 2735 7 Mumbai Suburban 5135 The 5G spectrum being used by Airtel: 3500 Mhz and Reliance Jio: 700 Mhz and 3300 Mhz. % Fiberized 5G BTSs of Maharashtra LSA is 24% for Airtel & 56% for Reliance Jio. (c) Following measures have been taken by the government for network densification, backhaul strengthening, and timely corrective actions to ensure seamless 5G: 1i. Assignment of sufficient spectrum for mobile services through auction. ii. Spectrum sharing, trading and surrender has been permitted for efficient use of spectrum. iii. Simplification of Procedure for SACFA (Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocations) clearance. iv. Notification of Telecommunications Right of Way (RoW) Rules and launch of PM GatiShakti Sanchar portal has resulted in streamlining of RoW permissions and expeditious clearance for installation of telecom infrastructure. v. TRAI has revised Quality of Service benchmarks on 02.08.2024 applicable from 01.10.2024 for various parameters, and performance of service providers against the benchmark is regularly monitored by TRAI to ensure better quality of services. vi. Uncovered villages are being provided coverage under various Digital Bharat Nidhi schemes. ***** 2