Bhubaneswar, Sept. 7 -- Malkangiri: Brining joy for thousands of residents living in far flung remote areas in Malkangiri district, mobile phone services in the 'Swabhiman Anchal' here began for the first time on Monday.

Airtel becomes the very first mobile operator to launch services in Hantalaguda, Pipalpadar, Jantapai and Darlabeda areas in the 'Swabhiman Anchal'.

According to sources, as many as 30,000 people residing in the region will be benefitted with the start of mobile services. Earlier, the residents of these areas had to go to Chitrakonda for communication.

Earlier due to the interference by the Maoists, mobile operators could not install towers in the red-dominated Swabhiman Anchal, formerly known as the cut-off area. Howe...