Prasad asked operators to conduct a special drive for optimum network utilisation and monitor it from time to time.

"I have directed the Department to conduct a special audit of quality of service parameters focussed on network performance. It will be done by TERM (Telecom Enforcement, Resource and Monitoring) cell of our Department," he said.

The audit will help in understanding the problem, nature of standards being maintained and also suggest how the situation can be improved, he added.

In phase I, the audit will be carried out by DoTr in all metros and state capitals.

The minister, who took a review of the issue, said the rapid growth of data traffic in cities and sharp growth in smartphones had led to congestion in the telecom networks.

Citing various court rulings and World Health Organisation findings, he said the "issue of call drops and campaign to remove BTS' (mobile towers) cannot go on hand in hand. If anyone is willing to suggest any tangible evidence of adverse effect from radiation, then I am going to look into it. The issue is not whether there is radiation or not, the issue is whether it is dangerous or not."

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