Associated News Bureau

J&K Govt Approves Land for Mobile Towers in Underserved Areas

Srinagar, October 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Government, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has approved the provision of land for installation of mobile towers in underserved areas across the Union Territory, with the aim of improving high-speed telecom connectivity in remote, rural and border regions. Under the initiative, land has been approved for the installation of BSNL mobile towers in underserved areas of Uri, Tangmarg, Karnah, Kalakote, Kralpora, Basantgarh, Khour, Latti Marothi, Banihal, Pogal Paristan, Ramsoo and Qila Darhal under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the initiative would help extend reliable connectivity to remote and border communities and ensure that geographical location does not become a barrier to accessing digital services and opportunities. The telecom infrastructure is being developed under the USOF to expand 4G network coverage and facilitate telecom saturation in areas that continue to remain underserved. The expansion of mobile connectivity is expected to improve access to online education, e-governance services and emergency communication, besides strengthening digital inclusion among residents of rural, remote and border areas. The provision of dedicated land for telecom infrastructure is also aimed at facilitating faster deployment of mobile towers in difficult and geographically challenging locations, helping address connectivity gaps across Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative forms part of the Government's efforts to strengthen digital and communication infrastructure and extend the benefits of reliable telecom connectivity to communities living in far-flung areas of the Union Territory. ANB