Meghalaya: 600 km optical ground wire to bring high-speed internet across the state by 2025
Shillong: In an innovative measure, the state government of Meghalaya, under the leadership of Minister Principal Conrad K Sangma, is all set to revolutionize internet connectivity by leveraging MEECL’s Optical Ground Cable (OPGW). Sangma announced this strategic effort to improve the digital landscape in Meghalaya, which aims to provide reliable high-speed internet services to citizens across the state.
Minister Principal Sangma expressed his enthusiasm for this transformational initiative and said: “We are now ready to leverage MEECL’s 600 km OPGW to bring reliable high-speed internet at the doorstep of our citizens”. This step is the result of successful trials conducted by the state TI department and Powertel, where they successfully connected 100 Mbps internet at a time using reliable OPGW in the transmission lines of MEECL.
After the meeting with TI department officials, Minister Principal Sangma made an ambitious plan to connect all the blocks and subdivisions of Meghalaya with fiber optic by 2025. Shared views on the integral strategy of the government with emphasis on deployment of flow lines. Optical in all blocks. This roadmap has been carefully designed for gradual implementation, with work starting in March next year and finalizing in June or July 2025.
The transformative impact of this initiative extends beyond individual homes, as Sangma highlights its wider benefits for institutions, organizations and hospitals. Once the project is finalized, these entities will have access to high-speed connectivity across various locations, leading to advancements in medical care, education and public services.
Minister Principal Sangma stressed the importance of the project to promote electronic government initiatives on a large scale, especially from a people-centric perspective. The connectivity is expected to improve the efficiency of government services, facilitate efficient communication and contribute to the general digital empowerment of the state.
As Meghalaya moves forward on this journey towards a digitally connected future, the government’s commitment to guarantee access to high-speed internet in all corners of the state is set to transform the socio-economic landscape. This initiative is in line with global trends in the use of technology for inclusive growth, positioning Meghalaya as a leader in digital development of governance.
