TNI Bureau: Koraput MP Saptagiri Ulaka raised a question in Parliament regarding the progress of mobile and internet connectivity in the tribal districts of Koraput and Rayagada under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).

Replying on behalf of the government, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar informed that under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN), several schemes have been implemented to provide 4G mobile services in uncovered villages across the two districts.

The minister stated that out of 459 towers planned, 386 towers have already been installed in Koraput district, and out of 700 towers planned in Rayagada district, 546 have been commissioned as of December 31, 2025.

He further said that block-wise details show that 89 out of 2,047 villages in Koraput district and 149 out of 2,671 villages in Rayagada district are still lacking mobile connectivity, and the information is available on the DBN website.

The government acknowledged delays due to factors such as lack of road access, forest land allotment issues, wildlife clearances, and right-of-way permissions. Penalties have been imposed on implementing agencies for delays as per agreement terms.

The minister also clarified that 5G services are being rolled out by telecom service providers based on techno-commercial feasibility, and efforts are ongoing to achieve 100 per cent mobile data coverage in both districts so that tribal and remote communities are not excluded from Digital India.