169 villages get 4G coverage
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 26: The Government of India has made significant strides in improving mobile and internet connectivity in the Union Territory of Ladakh, particularly in remote and rural areas. As part of these efforts, 136 mobile towers have been installed, providing 4G coverage to 169 villages under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) scheme.
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Responding to a query of the only Member Parliament from Ladakh, Haji Mohmad Haneefa Jan, in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State (MoS) for Communications and Rural Development, Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, detailed the steps taken to improve the mobile and internet connectivity in remote and rural areas of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The MoS while citing official data from the Registrar General of India, informed the House that out of Ladakh’s 243 villages, 234 already have mobile connectivity. To further enhance digital infrastructure, the Minister said, the Government has been implementing various initiatives under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) scheme. As of February 2025, 136 mobile towers have been commissioned, providing 4G coverage to 169 villages in the region.
Additionally, the BharatNet project is being executed in a phased manner to ensure high-speed broadband access in all Gram Panchayats (GPs). The Union Cabinet has also approved an Amended BharatNet Program, aiming to establish connectivity in all GPs across the country, including Ladakh. This includes upgrading existing networks and providing connectivity to around 3.8 lakh non-GP villages on a demand basis.
To maintain quality standards in mobile and broadband services, the Minister informed that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced the 2024 Standards of Quality of Service Regulations. These regulations mandate telecom service providers to adhere to prescribed benchmarks to ensure reliable connectivity and customer satisfaction.
“While considerable progress has been made, a few inhabited villages in Ladakh remain without mobile connectivity,” the Minister admitted and assured that telecom service providers will continue expanding their networks based on techno-commercial viability, ensuring that even the most remote regions benefit from digital inclusion.
With these initiatives, Ladakh is set to witness a significant boost in mobile and internet services, paving the way for improved communication, digital access, and overall regional development.
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