Satellite phones in 22 remote CRPF camps

RANCHI: Security forces deployed in Jharkhand’s Red zone have been armed with advanced communication gadgets similar to those used in the conflict zones of Jammu & Kashmir.
The digital satellite phone terminals (DSPTs) have been installed at 22 CRPF base camps located in remote areas. Sixty more will be installed at various camps across Jharkhand by the end of February.Calls made from DSPTs will be completely secured.
Jharkhand CRPF IG R K Mishra said BSNL installed the DSPTs last month at camps in Khunti, Seraikela-Kharswan, Ranchi (rural), Bokaro and Dhanbad. “A vast terrain at Jhumra hill in Bokaro does not have mobile connectivity where our base camps are situated. It is difficult for our jawans to make calls to their families because mobile phones do not work. These advanced communication system will connect them to their family and also enable us to contact them,” Mishra said.
DSPT is a landline fitted with a satellite dish that connects two persons anywhere on Earth through advanced communication satellites. A DSPT satellite dish is a compact dish and is similar to the one used for television. An expert said a satellite phone works well without terrestrial cell sites because it connects to orbiting satellites. The non-portable device requires little storage and consumes low power.
Mobile companies are yet to cover a vast area, mostly forested hilly terrain. Most of the state’s Red Corridor, like the core zones of Palamu Tiger Reserve and Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, villages along Parasnath Hills on the Jharkhand-Bihar border in Giridih district, Budha Pahar range on the Jharkhand-Chhattisgarh border in Latehar are far beyond the reach of any traditional terrestrial or cellular phone network.
It leads to a critical communication gap between forces at the base camps and senior officers strategizing anti-Maoist moves. The forces at the base camps undertake routine patrol of Red-hit areas and also communicate with the villagers. They often obtain crucial intelligence but find it difficult to pass it on to senior officers in real time. They need to travel long distances to make a call. DSPT aims to take care of it all.
“It will come as a big relief to our soldiers who are not able to communicate to their family members.It will keep them happy,” Mishra said.