​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, October 6: The State Broadband Committee, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, on Monday reviewed measures to strengthen mobile connectivity and expand high-speed broadband services across Odisha.

Garg directed officials to identify mobile network gaps, particularly in remote, inaccessible and border areas, and prepare time-bound plans to address them. Authorities were also asked to act promptly on complaints regarding poor connectivity and examine stronger signal-strength standards for rural areas.

The committee reviewed 4G saturation projects under Digital Bharat Nidhi, including initiatives in Aspirational Districts and Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas. It also directed agencies to resolve road connectivity issues to mobile towers by December and expedite land NOCs for BSNL tower installations.

Progress on Right of Way reforms, the SASCII initiative and the revised BharatNet project was also reviewed. BSNL and its implementation partners were asked to speed up work and complete the BharatNet project within the stipulated three-year period.

The meeting stressed clear responsibilities, deadlines and regular monitoring of all connectivity projects. Officials said Odisha has become eligible for more than Rs 150 crore in central assistance through connectivity-related initiatives.

Additional Chief Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev, senior officials of concerned departments and telecom organisations attended the meeting, while district Collectors joined virtually and briefed the committee on connectivity gaps in their respective areas.