The V-satellite phone in Laya geog, Gasa is not functioning properly. It is the geog’s only connection with the rest of the country. Phone lines have been provided to the Gup’s office, BHU, school, Laya rabdey and the Public Call Office (PCO).

As it was not working properly, lines to the Gup’s office, BHU, School and Laya rabdey were disconnected. Only the PCO had connection.

The public told our correspondent that the phone does not work properly.

The Telecom In Charge Kaka said the v-satellite phone is solar operated and the problem could be attributed to lack of sun light.

Civil servants and the public who use the PCO say they cannot make calls after 5 pm as the PCO is locked most of the time.

The PCO operator said the reason for closing at 5 pm is that he lives far away from the PCO which is housed in the BHU.

They said it would be beneficial if they can have access to the phone till 9 pm so that they can make and receive emergency calls.

Some people complained that the PCO operator is overcharging for making calls.

Kaka said 15 percent service charge is added to every unit of call made. A unit call costs Nu. eight.

Meanwhile the satellite phone provided to Lunana geog in October 2006 is also not functioning properly. People say that they are facing difficulty in communicating with the Dzongkhag and outside. Source: BBS