**New Delhi** is a city of stark contrasts, where ancient traditions and modern infrastructure blend seamlessly together. Amidst this vibrant tapestry, the Indian government has embarked on a landmark project to bring mobile networks to remote and high-altitude border areas, including Galwan and the Siachen Glacier. This ambitious initiative is set to revolutionize the way soldiers live and work in some of the world’s toughest terrains. • The roll-out of mobile networks in these areas is a testament to the government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure and boosting soldier welfare. • This endeavour is a significant advancement in India’s defence communication capabilities, marking a major leap forward in the country’s military modernization efforts. The Indian Army personnel stationed in areas such as Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), Galwan, Demchok, Chumar, Batalik, Dras, and Siachen Glacier now have access to reliable 4G and 5G mobile connectivity. This enables them to stay connected with their families, despite the geographical challenges that come with working in some of the world’s most inhospitable regions.

“Giving priority to infrastructure and communication, pulling the sector out of the 2G-3G scam and bringing in 5G, making it the cheapest in the world, and strengthening BSNL to compete with private players — this is PM Modi’s mission,”

said Gulam Ali Khatana, BJP Rajya Sabha member. The connectivity initiative was executed under the Whole-of-Government framework, with the Indian Army leveraging its optical fibre cable (OFC) infrastructure in collaboration with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) and the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh.

The initiative is aimed at improving the quality of life for troops deployed in extreme conditions, particularly in winter cut-off posts situated above 18,000 feet, where communication had remained a persistent challenge. The project was successfully executed by the Fire and Fury Corps, which facilitated mobile tower installations on Army infrastructure. Four major installations have been completed in Ladakh and Kargil districts alone. Gulam Ali Khatana’s comments highlight the significance of this project, underscoring the importance of reliable communication for soldiers deployed in the field. By bringing mobile networks to these remote areas, the Indian government is taking a major step towards modernizing its military infrastructure and boosting the welfare of its troops. The Indian Army has been operating in these regions for decades, and the lack of reliable communication has been a significant challenge. This project is a major breakthrough in addressing this issue, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of soldiers deployed in these areas. The installation of a 5G mobile tower on the Siachen Glacier is a testament to the Indian government’s commitment to modernizing its military infrastructure. This project is not just a technological achievement, but also a demonstration of the government’s commitment to the welfare of its soldiers. As we move forward, it is essential to recognize the significance of this project and its potential impact on the Indian military. By modernizing its infrastructure and boosting the welfare of its troops, the Indian government is taking a major step towards ensuring the success of its military operations. In the words of Gulam Ali Khatana, “Giving priority to infrastructure and communication, pulling the sector out of the 2G-3G scam and bringing in 5G, making it the cheapest in the world, and strengthening BSNL to compete with private players — this is PM Modi’s mission.” This mission is one that will have a lasting impact on the lives of soldiers deployed in remote and high-altitude border areas, and it is essential that we recognize the significance of this project.