Reliance Jio has become the first operator to bring mobile connectivity to Demchok (eastern Ladakh) with the launch of its 4G voice and data services in the border village. This will strengthen border security as well as the rural economy of border villages.
Besides Demchok, 4G services were also launched in the border village of Chushul, Nyoma Tharuk and Durbuk in Ladakh.
In Ladakh, the Jio network has been connected via three fibre routes comprising of Leh-Srinagar, Leh-Manali (Himachal Pradesh), and Leh-Gurez. The Leh-Gurez route is expected to go live soon. Further, Leh- Manali route is based on Raman Amplifier technology which has been used for fibre connectivity on land for the first time.
According to industry sources, currently 168 Jio towers are functional in the Ladakh region. Jio has to install 62 towers under Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), of which 44 are functional. The installation of towers can be done only for 6-7 months in a year due to harsh weather in the region.
