State-owned telecom firm Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced to launch third generation (3G) mobile services in Gangtok on the eve of Independence Day, enabling state residents to enjoy high speed internet connectivity and high downloading speed.

The Union Minister of State for Communication & Information Technology, Shri Sachin Pilot said that the government is committed to extend 3G services in other three districts of state within next three months. The state run telecom firm will also increase broadband strength to 30 GB PPS in a move to increase broadband service quality and to improve network congestion problem in the North East state, covering all 26 blocks of the state under broadband connectivity.

The Union Minister, underlying the importance of state, said, "It is a difficult terrain and the ministry would support the efforts to improve information and technology in Sikkim, as it would increase opportunities for the talented youth."

BSNL is already offering 3G services in many parts of the country providing high-speed Internet and video calls on mobile phones of users.

However, private telecom operators are still waiting for 3G spectrum auction to roll out services in different telecom circles.