BSNL’s presence in Mankapur tehsil, once a pillar of rural communication, has drastically diminished. In 2025, it survives only near railway tracks, dependent on RailWire’s limited optical fiber network. The shift from PCOs to mobile devices, coupled with BSNL’s negligence, has left remote areas disconnected, impacting businesses and residents alike.
From Dominance to Decline
Until 2008, BSNL landlines and PCOs were available in every corner of Mankapur tehsil, including remote villages like Shitalganj Grant, Maskanwa, and Chandani Chowk. These services connected residents to the world and supported local businesses. However, the introduction of GSM services marked the beginning of the end for BSNL’s rural dominance.
Villagers quickly adopted mobile devices for their convenience, leading to the disappearance of PCOs. BSNL shifted its focus to urban areas, neglecting its rural infrastructure. By 2025, BSNL’s footprint in Mankapur is confined to areas near railway tracks, supported by RailWire.
The lack of attention to rural connectivity has left a significant void. Where once villages had reliable landline connections, they now face network blackouts and exorbitant costs for basic telecommunication services. This erosion of infrastructure highlights the consequences of BSNL’s strategic decisions over the years.
The High Cost of Connectivity
The void left by BSNL has forced residents and businesses to rely on private telecom companies like Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone-Idea. Establishing connectivity in remote areas now requires an investment of at least ₹1,00,000. This includes signal boosters and expensive subscriptions, which are unaffordable for many.
For example, a farmer in Shitalganj Grant who attempted to digitize his operations abandoned the idea due to the financial burden of installing telecom infrastructure. Similarly, small shopkeepers are unable to adopt digital payment systems, limiting their ability to compete with urban businesses.
The high cost of connectivity also affects access to education and healthcare. Online classes and telemedicine services, which have become essential, remain inaccessible to most villagers. This digital divide perpetuates socio-economic inequalities.
RailWire: A Partial Solution
RailWire, an optical fiber network managed by Indian Railways, provides some connectivity in Mankapur. However, its coverage is limited to areas near railway tracks, leaving many villages disconnected. Unlike BSNL’s extensive landline network, RailWire’s infrastructure is geographically constrained.
While RailWire has been a lifeline for communities near railway stations, it fails to address the broader connectivity needs of the tehsil. The absence of a comprehensive plan to expand its network underscores the lack of priority given to rural telecommunication.
The Role of Private Telecom Players
Private telecom companies have stepped in to fill the gap but prioritize profits over rural needs. Services in remote areas are costly and often unreliable. Despite Jio’s promise of affordable internet, residents must invest in expensive signal boosters due to weak coverage.
Airtel and Vodafone-Idea face similar challenges. Their networks are focused on densely populated urban areas, with little incentive to expand into sparsely populated villages. This profit-driven approach leaves Mankapur’s residents with limited options and frequent service disruptions.
Additionally, the reliance on private telecom providers raises concerns about data security and exploitation. Unlike BSNL, which operated with public welfare in mind, private players are primarily accountable to their shareholders.
Impact on Rural Businesses
The lack of affordable connectivity stifles entrepreneurship in Mankapur. Rural businesses struggle to adopt digital solutions, widening the gap between urban and rural areas. Entrepreneurs in Shitalganj Grant and Maskanwa face frequent outages and high setup costs, deterring innovation and economic growth.
For instance, local weavers in Maskanwa who once exported their products via online platforms have been forced to revert to traditional methods. This regression not only affects their income but also limits their market reach. Similarly, agricultural cooperatives struggle to access real-time market data, impacting their bargaining power.
Social Consequences of Connectivity Loss
The decline in telecommunication services has far-reaching social implications. Young students in villages like Futahiya and Ranijot face immense challenges in accessing online education. With schools adopting hybrid learning models, these students are at a significant disadvantage compared to their urban counterparts.
Healthcare is another critical area affected by poor connectivity. Telemedicine services, which gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, remain out of reach for most villagers. This lack of access exacerbates health disparities and increases the burden on already strained rural healthcare systems.
Moreover, the absence of robust communication channels hinders disaster management efforts. Mankapur’s remote villages are particularly vulnerable to floods and other natural calamities. Reliable connectivity is essential for timely warnings and coordinated relief efforts.
Solutions to Revive Connectivity
Addressing Mankapur’s connectivity issues requires immediate action:
- Government Support: Revive BSNL’s rural infrastructure and incentivize private investment.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with telecom companies to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Subsidies: Provide financial support for rural businesses to afford telecommunication services.
- Innovative Technologies: Use satellite internet services to overcome geographical limitations.
In addition to these measures, community involvement is crucial. Local stakeholders should be engaged in planning and implementing connectivity projects to ensure they meet the specific needs of the region.
The decline of BSNL in Mankapur underscores the neglect of rural connectivity. Restoring affordable and reliable services is essential to empower residents and bridge the urban-rural divide. Without it, initiatives like Digital India will fail to include the nation’s most vulnerable communities.
Rebuilding Mankapur’s telecommunication infrastructure is not just a technical challenge but a social imperative. Ensuring equitable access to communication services will unlock opportunities, enhance quality of life, and pave the way for sustainable development in India’s rural heartlands.
AdChoices Opt-out 