Meghalaya takes a giant stride towards digital connectivity with the official launch of the Tura Link, providing a robust 100 Mbps internet connection. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by the Information Technology & Communication (IT & C) Department, signifies a crucial advancement in the state’s ambitious ‘Last Mile Connectivity’ project.
The Last Mile Connectivity project aims to extend internet accessibility to the remotest corners of Meghalaya, ensuring every citizen reaps the benefits of a digitally connected world. The recent accomplishment of establishing a 100 Mbps link to Tura serves as a testament to the state’s commitment to fostering connectivity across diverse regions, overcoming geographical challenges.
Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Conrad K Sangma expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The significant achievement in Tura marks a substantial step towards realizing the vision of a digitally connected Meghalaya. The Last Mile Connectivity project is pivotal in ensuring the benefits of the digital age reach every citizen. I commend the efforts of the IT & C Department, Powertel, and MeECL for their dedication in making this vision a reality. The Government of Meghalaya looks forward to continued collaborations as it strives to transform the digital landscape, fostering economic growth and improving the overall quality of life for our people.”
Key contributors to this transformative initiative include Powertel, a subsidiary of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL), and Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL). Both critical Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have played instrumental roles in advancing this ambitious project.
Shri Pravin Bakshi, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, IT & Communications Department, Government of Meghalaya, remarked, “The absence of reliable internet in Garo Hills posed significant challenges, affecting essential tasks and hindering sectors like education and healthcare. The Tura Link, part of the Last Mile Connectivity project, has now eradicated these issues. With 100 Mbps connectivity, residents can download crucial documents, businesses can operate efficiently, and transactions, including bill payments, will be seamless. This initiative, spearheaded by the IT & Communications Department, not only bridges the digital gap but propels socio-economic development in Garo Hills.”
The State IT Department and Powertel collaborated to successfully complete a Proof of Concept (PoC) that delivered 100 Mbps internet connectivity to Tura, leveraging the Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) on the transmission lines of Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL).
