Shortage of cable forces BSNL to delay connections

Residents of various wards of Rajarajeshwari Nagar, especially those shifting to these areas, are unable to get a landline connection of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). For, whenever residents approach BSNL exchange offices or customer care centres in the constituency, the answer is a firm “no” or “wait for six months.”

The reason cited is severe shortage of underground cables necessary for providing telephone connection. According to Supraja N, resident of Mallathahalli, though she moved to her new house in the area two years ago and applied for a BSNL landline, she is yet to get one.

“The connection and the bill becomes imperative as valid address proof for many government transactions,” she said. Dhanvantri R, facing a similar situation, wondered how BSNL cites lack of cables to keep applications pending.

Stating there are more than 200 applications pending in his division, Nagarajaswamy, sub-divisional engineer (Nagarabhavi range), BSNL, said, “These are new localities with more houses and apartments coming up. We have informed the higher officials and are hopeful of the problem getting resolved in next few months.”

Another official said those keen on getting phone connections have the option of WLL (wireless telephone). “However, many don’t prefer this as the voice clarity is dull compared with the land line,” he explained.

There has been a reduction in manufacturing of underground phone cables lately due to increasing dominance of cellphone and other wireless phone devices in the country. Another officer said: “We plan to import these cables to meet the demand, but a decision is awaited in this regard.”