On October 1, 2020 Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved proposal for establishment of Army Static Switched Communication Network (ASCON) Phase IV Network worth INR 7796.39 Crore (approximately).
It will be implemented by Public Sector Firm Indian Telephone Industries Limited (ITI), Department of Telecommunication, Ministry of Communications (MOC) and will become operational in 3 years.
Objective:
The Secure Communication System will increase network coverage in International Borders, Line of Actual Control (LAC), and Line of Control (LC) and enhance operational readiness of Indian Army at the borders.
Key Notes:
i.ASCON project will upgrade the existing Asynchronous Transfer Mode Technology to Internet Protocol (IP)/Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) Technology.
ii.Optical Fibre Cable (OFC), Microwave Radio and Satellite will be used for the purposes of Communication media.
iii.It will boost the “Make in India” programme as it has an indigenous content of 80%.
iv.The New Communication Technology provides better survivability, responsiveness and high bandwidth in operational scenarios.
v.The high bandwidth communications will be extended to remote operational areas in Central and Eastern Sectors, and will enhance communications to forward posts in Western Borders.
Generation of Employment:
i.It will involve execution of civil works, laying of optical fibre cable and tower construction and utilization of local resources.
ii.The implementation of the project will generate employment opportunities in remote border areas, support and boost rural economy and provide skill development in long term execution and maintenance of the network.
Recent Related News:
i.World Telecommunications and Information Society Day (WTISD) observed on May 17 to raise awareness about the importance of the internet and other means of information and communication in bringing the world closer.
ii.On August 10, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated to the Nation, submarine Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) connecting Chennai, Tamil Nadu and Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands (A&NI) through video conferencing.
Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS):
The Cabinet Committee on Security is chaired by Prime Minister (Narendra Modi). Other Members of the committee are
- Rajnath Singh, Minister of Defence
- Amit Shah, Minister of Home Affairs
- Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs,
- Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs.
