* Offers special pre-loaded Yatra SIMs
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 26: The Jammu & Kashmir Telecom Circle of the BSNL has made special efforts to provide smooth connectivity for communication requirements of Yatris visiting Shri Amaranath Ji shrine along Pahalgam and Baltal routes, up to the Holy cave.
An official spokesman said that ten (10) sites with 15 combo (2G+3G) BTS have been commissioned. BSNL only has been providing mobile services enroute to Yatris since 2010. These sites are connected on 10G transport network purely on optical fibre. More than 35 Km’s of Optical Fiber Cable has been laid for connecting these BTSs to the communication network.
The equipments and materials were taken through ponies/head-load. Several BSNL teams, specially deputed for installation, have made tireless efforts to ensure timely provisioning and maintenance of communication facilities throughout the Yatra despite climatic/geographical challenges as the terrain is difficult at an altitude of about more than 13000 ft above sea level. Since large number of pilgrims are expected voice and SMS have been given priority over data, he said.
Since prepaid connections of other states are not allowed to work in J&K, special pre-loaded Yatra SIMs are being provided by BSNL with the approval of Ministry of Home Affairs /DOT. The cost of Yatra SIMs is Rs 230 (including the cost of STV and Plan Voucher) with 20000 sec free talk time and 1.5 GB free data usage and validity of ten days.
For obtaining the BSNL pre-loaded Yatra SIM card, valid documents such as proof of address, proof of Identity and applicant’s photograph are required to be submitted by the pilgrims along with a photo copy of counter file of Registration slip issued by SASB which shall be considered as local reference.
The BSNL pre-loaded Yatra SIM cards are available for the Yatris at Lakhanpur Border, Bhagwati Nagar besides during working hours at Kachi-Chawani CSC &Trikutanagar CSC in Jammu and Base Camps at Baltal, Pahalgam besides Tourist Reception Centre Nowgam near Railway Station in Srinagar.
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