Odisha: Network crisis in Angul villages
Angul: The lack of mobile connectivity in six villages of Odisha’s Angul district has become a major problem for the residents. In an era where mobile phones and internet services have become integral to daily life, the people of these villages remain deprived of network access. This is directly impacting education, healthcare services, emergency communication, and social activities.
The villages grappling with this mobile network issue fall under the Jharabeda Gram Panchayat in the Pallahara block of Angul district. The affected villages include Jambua, Goitasarei, Raipal, Banmuhana, Barabahali (1), and Barabahali (2). Villagers state that they have long been demanding mobile towers and better network facilities, yet no concrete steps have been taken so far.
According to the villagers, the absence of mobile network connectivity causes difficulties in many essential daily tasks. It becomes challenging to contact family members, access information about government schemes, use online services, and handle tasks related to important documents. Often, people have to step out of the village or move to higher ground in search of a signal.
Students are facing the greatest hardship. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of online modes in the education system has grown significantly; however, students in these villages are unable to benefit from online classes, digital study materials, or internet-based educational services. Villagers say that the lack of network connectivity is hindering the children’s education and causing them to lag behind in the modern educational system.
The lack of mobile connectivity has also become a serious issue in the healthcare sector. In these rural areas, contacting a hospital, doctor, or ambulance service during a sudden illness or medical emergency becomes difficult. Patients often suffer because information fails to reach the necessary services on time.
Villagers also reported that the lack of mobile network connectivity affects social events, such as weddings. It creates difficulties in contacting relatives and acquaintances, discussing marriage alliances, and communicating with people living far away. Villagers state that in today’s digital era, the lack of network connectivity is hindering their social and economic development.
According to locals, they have repeatedly apprised administrative officials and public representatives of this issue. They claim to have submitted numerous requests for the installation of mobile towers and the provision of network services, yet no permanent solution has been found so far.
The villagers note that private mobile companies show little interest in expanding their networks here due to the area’s remote geography and proximity to forest zones. They allege that the administration, too, has failed to make adequate efforts to resolve this problem.
Local residents have demanded that the government and the Department of Telecommunications treat this matter seriously and ensure the installation of mobile towers in the villages as soon as possible. They argue that improved network connectivity would not only enhance communication but also facilitate access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, and government services.
Experts believe that in the era of ‘Digital India,’ providing mobile connectivity to remote areas has become a fundamental requirement for development. Expanding internet and mobile services in rural areas can enable people to directly benefit from education, healthcare, banking, and government schemes.
While the government is implementing various schemes to boost digital connectivity in rural and backward regions, network issues persist in many remote areas. Expanding mobile tower infrastructure and internet facilities in such regions remains a significant challenge for the administration.
Residents of these six villages in Angul hope that their long-standing demand will finally be addressed and that they will soon gain access to essential services like mobile connectivity. They believe that better connectivity will bring about a major transformation in their lives, allowing them to fully utilize digital services.
For now, the villagers are looking to the administration and public representatives for concrete action. They emphasize that mobile connectivity is no longer a luxury but an essential service for education, healthcare, and emergency needs.
