The DoT has asked BSNL to expedite the work involving setting up of a new network for the Defence forces as part of the MoU signed between the DoT and the Ministry of Defence.  It has also asked BSNL to set up a monitoring mechanism for the project immediately.

As per the MoU, a team comprising BSNL CMD as mission director was to be constituted which was also supposed to have representatives from the Defence and the DoT.

According to an internal note by DoT joint secretary JS Deepak, "I understand that the team has not been constituted and this matter was adversely viewed during the review meeting taken by the high-level monitoring committee under the chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary at a meeting last week,” says a DoT internal note.

The setting up of network on time is important as it is directly linked to the vacation of spectrum by the Defence forces. Any delay in setting up the network will subsequently delay the vacation of spectrum which in turn will prolong the wait for 3G spectrum.