In a step towards bridging the digital divide and empowering remote communities, the Army has facilitated mobile connectivity across the remote and high-altitude areas of Ladakh, including forward locations in Eastern Ladakh, Western Ladakh and the Siachen Glacier. “For the…

In a step towards bridging the digital divide and empowering remote communities, the Army has facilitated mobile connectivity across the remote and high-altitude areas of Ladakh, including forward locations in Eastern Ladakh, Western Ladakh and the Siachen Glacier.

“For the first time ever, troops deployed in some of the world’s most inhospitable terrains—such as Daulat Beg Oldi, Galwan, Demchok, Chumar, Batalik, Dras, and the Siachen Glacier—now have access to reliable 4G and 5G mobile connectivity. This initiative has proved to be a major morale booster for soldiers serving in isolated winter cut-off posts at altitudes above 18,000 feet, allowing them to stay connected with their families and loved ones,” defence spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said in a statement.

He informed that the pioneering effort has been made possible through a collaborative approach under the Whole-of-Government framework, wherein the Indian Army— leveraging its robust optical fibre cable infrastructure — has partnered with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and the administration of Ladakh. The Fire and Fury Corps has played a leading role in enabling this synergy, resulting in the installation of multiple mobile towers on Army infrastructure, including four key towers in Ladakh and Kargil districts alone.

“The impact of this initiative extends far beyond troop welfare. It is a significant nation-building endeavour that is transforming the socio-economic fabric of remote border villages. By integrating ‘first villages’ into the national digital network, this effort is bridging the digital divide, boosting local economies, promoting border tourism, enhancing medical aid and emergency services, enabling educational access, strengthening local commerce, preserving cultural heritage and arresting migration from border villages” the spokesperson said.

A particularly historic milestone was the successful installation of a 5G mobile tower on the Siachen Glacier—the highest battlefield in the world—showcasing India’s technological prowess and resolve.