JAMMU, OCT 6: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved land for installation of mobile towers in 12 underserved and remote areas of the Union Territory under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), a move aimed at expanding telecom connectivity in regions that continue to face inadequate mobile and high-speed internet access.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the land has been approved for establishment of mobile towers in Uri, Tangmarg, Karnah, Kalakote, Kralpora, Basantgarh, Khour, Latti Marothi, Banihal, Pogal Paristan, Ramsoo and Qila Darhal. The initiative is expected to strengthen telecom infrastructure in geographically difficult and connectivity-deficient pockets, including remote and border areas.
The expansion of mobile infrastructure is likely to have a direct impact on residents who depend increasingly on digital services for education, government services, banking, healthcare access and day-to-day communication. Improved network availability in these areas would also facilitate greater participation in online education and enable residents to access e-governance platforms without having to travel to better-connected towns.
The proposed installations assume added significance in remote and strategically located areas where reliable communication infrastructure is essential during emergencies. Better mobile coverage can support faster communication with emergency services, improve coordination during natural disasters and other contingencies, and strengthen communication links for communities living in isolated locations.
The initiative is also expected to contribute towards narrowing the digital divide between urban centres and rural and remote habitations of Jammu and Kashmir. By extending telecom infrastructure to areas that have remained underserved, the government seeks to improve the reach of high-speed connectivity and integrate more communities into the Union Territory’s expanding digital ecosystem.
The approval of land under the USOF framework marks an important administrative step towards actual deployment of the towers, with the eventual improvement in connectivity depending on installation, commissioning and operationalisation of the proposed infrastructure. The identified locations cover both Kashmir and Jammu divisions, reflecting the focus on extending telecom access to pockets where geographical terrain and limited infrastructure have constrained network expansion.
The move is expected to provide residents of these 12 areas with more dependable communication facilities while creating stronger digital linkages for education, public services, economic activity and emergency response.
