While the lockdown has led to deserted streets, albeit with the administration’s intervention, the State Government has requested all telecom and internet service providers to ensure uninterrupted internet and mobile connectivity – a facility that may help keep people at home.
However, despite the Government’s push for fast Internet connectivity, many Ranchi residents have complained of poor internet speed and call drops in some localities of the State capital.
The Director General of Police (DGP) MV Rao has addressed a letter to senior representatives of four telecom companies – Airtel, Vodafone, BSNL, Jio – and asked them to ensure best possible services during the lockdown period.
In the letter, the DGP has also said that the Government will allow telecom officials to work freely during this period as internet and mobile connectivity may be counted as essential services during such a crisis period.
Another notification from Ranchi Deputy Commission Rai Mahimapat Ray specified that vehicles of some selected telecom officials should be allowed to ply during the lockdown.
The Pioneer has a copy of the official notification, which says that officials working in the telecom sector may have to move out to ensure uninterrupted services.Meanwhile, all stores of telecom companies have been shut during the lockdown, and service providers are encouraging customers to use online platforms for various services.
Regarding the glitches in the services of a particular telecom company, a senior official said, “It was a temporary phase due to added load on the network during the lockdown.
It will be addressed at the earliest,” he said. Some companies have also come up with new plans for the lockdown in which they are offering extra online streaming facilities.
As per the Government of India, internet services are among essential services during the 21-day lockdown imposed on Tuesday midnight. And every mobile phone user who has paid for network and internet connectivity is entitled for the services, sources said.
The Government is pressing for smooth telecom services during the period in a bid to ensure that people stay updated about the happenings around the world and also use internet-based platforms for entertainment while they are stuck at home and not allowed to move out, sources said.
Besides internet and other telecom services, the Government is also trying to provide grocery items and other edibles to the doorsteps of Jharkhand residents.
