Udalguri-Sonitpur, August 20: Poor mobile network connectivity in several India-Bhutan border areas of Udalguri district has triggered protests, with more than 100 Airtel users gathering at Nonaipara Tea Estate on Wednesday and threatening to boycott the company’s services if the problem is not resolved.
Protesters raised slogans including “Boycott Airtel SIM” and “We Want 5G Network”, alleging that thousands of residents in and around Nonaipara Tea Estate have faced poor connectivity for several years despite a mobile tower being located within the tea estate.
Residents said Airtel users and retailers had repeatedly complained to the company. They alleged that although Airtel officials had visited the area and conducted surveys, no permanent solution had been implemented.
According to local residents, more than 10,000 Airtel subscribers depend on the network in Nonaipara and surrounding areas. Poor connectivity has also reportedly affected Sashastra Seema Bal personnel deployed along the India-Bhutan border and small tea growers.
Residents alleged that the network problems have created difficulties for security personnel in sending essential messages. They also expressed resentment over what they described as Airtel’s continued focus on customer recharges despite the unresolved connectivity issues.
Leaders of the Tea Tribe Students’ Association have also demanded an immediate solution to the problem.
The protesters warned that thousands of subscribers could switch to other service providers and boycott Airtel SIM cards if the network issues are not addressed soon.
