Network for Spectrum Project for Defence Services: CCEA approves enhancement of budget

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for enhancement of budget by Rs.11,330 crore for Network For Spectrum (NFS) project. This is over and above Rs.13,334 crore already approved by Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure in July, 2012. With this, total budget for the network for Defence services has now gone up to Rs. 24,664 crore.

Network For Spectrum (NFS) project

The NFS project aims at laying alternate communication network for Defence Services. NFS project will boost the communication capabilities of Defence Forces. In major way, it will lead to enhanced national operational preparedness. It will also have forward linkages to other related industries such as telecom equipment manufacturing and other telecommunication related services. The project is being implemented by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and will be completed in 2 years period.

Background

The Union Defence Ministry and Department of Telecommunication (DoT), the highest decision making body in Telecom Ministry had signed an agreement in 2009-10 to set up exclusive defence network for its communication services. Under it, DoT had agreed to vacate 25 MHz of 3G spectrum and 20 MHz of 2G spectrum in phases soley for defence communication purpose.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2018