Telecom industry takes rapid strides in Assam

Guwahati, July 24 (ANI): Massive billboards dotting the city skyline and screaming for attention announce the arrival of Guwahati, hitherto an untapped market, on the expansion map of telecom majors.

According to a report more than 11 million wireless connections are active in the state and there is tough competition between the major service providers.ith telecom operators providing the best services at the lowest prices, people here have easy access to 2G and 3G facilities.

The increase in the coverage area of telecom services has played a major in the mobile phone revolution in the state.

Interacting with mediapersons, an Aircel dealer said, "Nowadays, mobile phone business has become very competitive. Earlier we had BSNL and Reliance but now we have every mobile operator here, and our company is doing well too."

A BSNL dealer, Manoj, attributed the booming telecom business to peaceful and conducive atmosphere across the state.

"Earlier there was no peace, but now there is peace and normalcy in our state and people are using more mobiles than landlines," Manoj said.

There are around 300 big and small outlets for mobile handsets in the Guwahati.

The monthly mobile handset market in state is worth Rs. eight to nine crores, and he affluent middle class is splurging on the latest models.

The growth of the telecom sector has created numerous job opportunities for the people.

The government is now working towards increasing telecom connectivity in the northeast and has sanctioned a Rs. 388 crore package for imparting affordable Information and Communication training to 14,000 youth in the region. (ANI)