Union communications and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday launched the high-speed fifth generation (5G) telecom service in Odisha.

“Beginning of 5G revolution in Odisha,” tweeted Vaishnaw. Though the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) welcomed the launch of 5G service, the party said it should not be reduced to a publicity stunt.

Launching the service from the campus of SOA deemed university, Vaishnaw said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sanctioned Rs 5,600 crore for installation of over 5,000 towers to provide connectivity to over 7,000 villages in Odisha.

Those inaccessible and remote villages in tribal areas, deprived of mobile service will be covered.” The 5G service is now available in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

The minister assured that 5G services will cover the entire Odisha by December 31, 2024.

“Eight software technology parks will be set up by the end of this year while mobile towers will be set up on August 15, 2024. We have the funds and the required willpower to do it,” he said.

Reacting to it, BJD MP and party’s national spokesperson Amar Patnaik said, “The 5G services should not be reduced to a publicity stunt. Odisha deserves better connectivity.”

At a press conference, he said, “While we will cooperate with the Centre on the launch of the 5G services for its successful implementation, the problem is that it is not going to address the core issues of these deficits.”