Date:06/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/01/06/stories/2005010601190400.htm

Back Communication links restored in tsunami-hit areas

Our Bureau

New Delhi , Jan. 5

THE Union Communications and Information Minister, Mr Dayanidhi Maran, on Wednesday informed the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had restored the vital communication facilities in the tsunami-affected areas of coastal Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Pondicherry, Karaikkal and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Presenting a cheque for Rs 25 crore to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, Mr Maran said the communication facilities had been restored as expeditiously as possible.

He said special teams of engineers and staff of BSNL in different groups were sent to the affected areas for installation of satellite-based communication facilities including INMARSAT, VSAT and CDOT exchanges with a view to providing communication facilities on a war-footing.

The contribution to the PM's fund consists of one-day salary of the employees of telecom companies, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd, besides corporate contributions from Telecommunications Consultants (India) Ltd.