Indian Army brings mobile connectivity to remote high-altitude areas of Ladakh, Siachen Glacier
PTC Web Desk: In a significant step toward enhancing digital connectivity in remote and strategic locations, the Indian Army has successfully enabled 4G and 5G mobile networks across high-altitude and isolated regions of Ladakh, including Eastern Ladakh, Western Ladakh, and the Siachen Glacier — the world's highest battlefield.
With the installation of multiple mobile towers, soldiers deployed at critical posts such as Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), Galwan, Demchok, Chumar, Batalik, Dras, and Siachen now have access to high-speed mobile connectivity. This upgrade will allow troops stationed at extreme altitudes—often above 18,000 feet—to stay connected with their families, especially during harsh winter months when posts become physically inaccessible.
The initiative was implemented under the Whole-of-Government approach, involving a joint effort between the Indian Army, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), and the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh. The Fire and Fury Corps played a key role in operationalising the project, which involved leveraging the Army’s optical fibre cable (OFC) infrastructure to establish the mobile network.
Among the notable installations is a 5G tower set up on the Siachen Glacier, marking it as the highest 5G mobile tower globally. A total of four mobile towers have been installed in Ladakh and Kargil districts using Army resources.
- With inputs from agencies
