Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has asked the Department of Telecommunications to roll out comprehensive communications network at Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. TRAI said that even if the cost is higher than estimated, a comprehensive network must be rolled out as these islands are of immense strategic importance.In July 2014, the telecom regulator had recommended a comprehensive plan for improving telecom services in these island with an outlay of about Rs. 2,900 crore.The regulator said it has been almost 20 months since the recommendations were made, now costs and need for replacement of infrastructure may vary with time.The regulator has recommended that besides connecting these regions with cables, satellite connectivity should be retained in parts of both of these the Union territories.In Andaman and Nicobar Island 29 out of 576 islands are inhabited and 90 per cent of the population lives in three islands of North, Middle and South Andaman.In Lakshadweep, 11 out of 36 are inhabited and 10 of the inhabited islands have population above 100.The islands are a part of the West Bengal service area and Lakshadweep is a part of the Kerala circle.