Bharti Airtel partners with the Indian Army to bring connectivity to villages in the Kupwara, Baramulla, and Bandipore districts along the Line of Control in North Kashmir. Airtel is one of the leading network service providers in India with around 620 million users, as per the data in March 2024.
Around 15 mobile towers have been installed in the region to ensure proper network connectivity for the people in the region. It will also benefit the soldiers serving along the borders to have proper communication infrastructure and bring their homes closer to their hearts, Airtel said in a press release.
Areas covered
Under the PM Vibrant Village Programme, villages such as Kachhal, Balbir, Razdan Pass, Taya Top, Ustad, Kathi, and Cheema are now connected to the rest of the country. These villages are located in the Keran, Machhal, Tangdhar, Gurez, and Uri valley regions, spanning the three districts of Kupwara, Baramulla, and Bandipore.
Army’s assistance
Airtel has collaborated with the Indian Army to improve network services and enhance connectivity in remote areas of military bases. Recently, the company has successfully established connectivity in the Galwan River region and Daulat Beg Oldie (BDO), which is recognized as India’s northernmost military outpost.
Read about it at: Airtel Expands its Network Footprint to Galwan Valley & Daulat Beg Oldie, India’s Northernmost Military Outpost
Advantage for Airtel
Airtel's early entry into remote regions provides a significant advantage. It can quickly attract users with its existing services and expand its offerings in these areas, driving revenue growth. This established infrastructure gives Airtel a competitive edge over Jio and Vodafone-Idea in terms of market reach and operational efficiency.
Accessibility
This marks a significant step towards Net Neutrality in India. By extending connectivity to remote and challenging terrains like Bandipore, Kupwara, and Baramulla, with the support of the Indian Army, we are bridging the digital divide. This ensures equal access to information and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their location. It reaffirms our commitment to a connected and inclusive nation, accessible to all, irrespective of geographical barriers.
Also Read Airtel's other innovations at: No more spam calls all day, Airtel’s AI-powered spam-blocking mechanism tramples 8 billion calls since its launch
Competition Push
Airtel's network expansion into Kupwara and Baramulla, achieved with the Indian Army's support, has intensified competition within India's telecom sector. This strategic move puts pressure on rivals like BSNL, Jio, and Vodafone Idea to demonstrate a similar commitment to expanding connectivity in remote and challenging terrains. Such competition is likely to drive innovation and attract new customers, as telcos strive to provide reliable and accessible services across the nation.