Notice served to Airtel over mobile net service
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 22 2023:
The government of Manipur has served show-cause notice to mobile tele-communication company Airtel for providing unrestricted mobile internet service to un-whitelisted numbers in Churachandpur district in defiance of the restriction order issued by the government since the violence broke out on May 3 .
The notice was served to Chief Technical Officer of Airtel's Imphal office Ashish Bansal by commissioner (home) T Ranjit.
The notice said "despite earlier repeated advices/instructions, it has been learnt that mobile data/internet service provided by Airtel was available to un-whitelisted mobile numbers in some areas of Churachandpur & adjoining areas of Bishnupur district (especially in Phougakchao Ikhai areas) on Wednesday, while the suspension of mobile internet data/VPN services is still in force".
Considering the very sensitive and volatile law and order situation currently prevailing in the state, the action of Airtel is viewed very seriously by the state government, as it amounts to violation of the government orders, the notice said while asking Airtel to give written explanation on - under what compelling circumstances such serious lapses have occurred and such careless move had been done from the side of the service provider.
It also asked the company to give names of officials responsible for such act; and give explanation as to why appropriate legal action should not be taken against Airtel for violation of the government orders, including total ban of the telecom services by Airtel.
Instructing the telecom company to provide explanation by Friday, the notice further said, "In case satisfactory explanation/reply is not received within the stipulated time-line, all services provided by Airtel shall have to be shut down including internet services in the state without further notice.
Further, Airtel shall be held responsible for any mis happens and liabilities arising out of such violations" .