In a pioneering effort to bridge the digital divide and uplift border communities, the Indian Army has brought seamless 4G and 5G mobile connectivity to some of the most remote and high-altitude locations in Ladakh — including forward posts and the world’s highest battlefield, the Siachen Glacier.
Troops stationed in isolated areas such as Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), Galwan, Demchok, Chumar, Batalik, Dras, and Siachen now have access to reliable, high-speed networks for the first time, significantly boosting morale by allowing soldiers to stay connected with loved ones despite extreme and winter cut-off conditions above 18,000 feet.
The connectivity upgrade is the result of a coordinated effort under the Whole-of-Government approach. Leveraging its optical fibre cable network, the Indian Army collaborated with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh. The Fire and Fury Corps was instrumental in enabling the installation of critical mobile towers across Army infrastructure, including four towers in Ladakh and Kargil districts.
Beyond improving the welfare of armed forces personnel, the initiative is also transforming life in remote villages by integrating ‘First Villages’ along the border into India’s national digital network. Local residents, previously cut off from modern connectivity, now benefit from access to education, telemedicine, e-commerce, government services, and new opportunities in border tourism and local enterprise.
Among the standout achievements is the successful deployment of a 5G tower at the Siachen Glacier — a historic first that signals both India’s technological capability and its resolve to bring development to every corner of the country.
Residents have welcomed the move as a lifeline, bringing dignity, inclusion, and long-overdue digital empowerment. The Indian Army’s effort is being seen as a reaffirmation of its vital role in nation-building and its alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat – India@2047.
