SRINAGAR: The Union Territory of Ladakh has surpassed Jammu and Kashmir in mobile internet coverage. The Government of India informed the Parliament that Jammu and Kashmir has achieved 94 per cent internet coverage, while Ladakh has reached 96 per cent.
“Under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) initiative, mobile connectivity has been extended to 6,062 villages in J&K and 234 out of 243 villages in Ladakh. Various telecom and broadband expansion projects are being implemented to improve connectivity in remote and tribal areas of both Union Territories,” the Centre stated.
“To enhance telecom infrastructure,” the GoI said, “136 mobile towers have been installed in Ladakh, covering 169 villages with 4G connectivity. Meanwhile, mobile connectivity in J&K has also been strengthened under DBN initiatives, ensuring wider network access across rural areas.”
The government is also implementing the BharatNet project, aimed at providing high-speed broadband access to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) in both J&K and Ladakh. The project includes Wi-Fi hotspots, Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections, and upgrading existing networks.
The Union Cabinet has approved an amended BharatNet Programme, which will also cover non-GP villages on a demand basis, expanding broadband connectivity across the region.
“The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has introduced new Quality of Service (QoS) regulations for mobile and broadband services under the 2024 Service Regulations,” it said, adding that telecom providers must now meet benchmark standards for network performance, ensuring better mobile and broadband services across J&K and Ladakh. (KNO)
