The Indian Army, in collaboration with Bharti Airtel, has undertaken an initiative to bring 4G mobile connectivity to remote and border areas in Ladakh, marking a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in the region. For years, villages in these regions, including Kargil, Siachen, Demchok, DBO, and Galwan, lacked access to modern telecommunications, leaving local communities disconnected from the digital world, the Indian Army said.
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Bridging the Digital Divide in Ladakh
In a post on X on Thursday, the Indian Army shared a video showcasing the journey and highlighting the transformation it has brought to the lives of local residents in the region.
In its post titled 'Indian Army for India's First Villages: Bringing Connectivity and Hope to Remote Areas', the Army said, "The border areas and remote villages in Ladakh were devoid of 4G mobile connectivity" until June 2024."
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Collaboration with Bharti Airtel
"This was depriving the local communities from being connected to the digital revolution in the nation. The Indian Army in collaboration with Bharti Airtel set out to ensure connectivity in these First Villages of India," it added.
The army further said the Fire and Fury Corps proactively engaged all the telecom service providers and assisted them in installation of mobile towers in these remote areas.
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Impact on Local Communities and Soldiers
"Fighting against the harsh weather including sub- zero temperatures, a total of 42 Airtel 4G mobile towers have been installed in 5 months covering the remote locations of Kargil, Siachen, Demchok, DBO and Galwan providing much needed connectivity to the populace as well as soldiers serving in Ladakh," it said in its post.
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"This initiative will boost tourism in the state and help the local community by improving access to online education, remote healthcare and fostering economic opportunities through government schemes bridging the existing digital divide."
