Parliament Question: Digital Connectivity and Telecom Infrastructure in Punjab

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5985 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01ST APRIL, 2026 DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY AND TELECOM INFRASTRUCTURE IN PUNJAB 5985. DR. RAJ KUMAR CHABBEWAL: Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has conducted Independent Drive Tests to assess mobile network quality across cities including Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar as well as the highway routes connecting them; (b) if so, the details thereof along with the key findings of these assesments; (c) the manner in which the Government proposes to utilise them to further strengthen mobile communication services in these areas; (d) whether the Government is taking any other measures to enhance digital connectivity and telecom infrastructure in Punjab particularly Hoshiarpur Lok Sabha Constituency; and (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR) (a) & (b): The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) conducted Independent Drive Test (IDT) in Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar, including the connecting highway routes, during 05.08.2025 to 08.08.2025. The assessment provided a comparative overview of Quality of Service (QoS) parameters across Telecom Service Providers. The results indicate that while performance levels varied across operators, all service providers, including BSNL, have been undertaking continuous network improvements. During the testing period, BSNL was undergoing network upgradation, which had a temporary impact on certain parameters. Following the completion of these upgradation activities and subsequent optimization of network sites, performance indicators have improved significantly. At present, the network is stable, and no major issues relating to call drops or call blocking are being observed. (c): The findings of the IDT have been shared with all Telecom Service Providers, including BSNL, for appropriate follow-up action. Continuous monitoring and optimization efforts are being undertaken to further strengthen mobile service quality in the region. 1(d) & (e): Under Digital Bharat Nidhi funded 4G Mobile Saturation Project, 43 mobile towers have been made on-air providing 4G mobile coverage to 46 villages in the State of Punjab. In Hoshiarpur district, 36 mobile towers have been made on-air which are providing 4G mobile coverage to 39 villages. Further, under BharatNet project, 12,673 Gram Panchayats (GPs) have been made service ready in Punjab and 1,517 made service ready in Hoshiarpur Lok Sabha Constituency. These initiatives, along with ongoing network enhancements by service providers including BSNL, are contributing to improved telecom services and digital connectivity across the region. ***** 2