Following the successful launch of mobile services in Jammu & Kashmir, the Centre said on Wednesday that it would expand cellular coverage in the north-eastern region within four months.
"We have to indicate 25 priority places in the region where we want mobile services to start. Mobile services are currently being offered only in two places in the region, Guwahati and Shillong," Communication and IT Minister Arun Shourie told PTI.
Advisory Committee on Frequency Allocation headed by Telecom Commission chairman Vinod Vaish, which also has representatives of 15 different departments, would indicate the specific locations by early next week, he said.
After the required process of clearances, which may take one month, state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd would take three months to set up the infrastructure in the region.
"We hope that BSNL will be able to expand its coverage in the North East in four months time from now," Shourie said.