LoC: Love of Cellphones

Category: General | No Comments | Posted on April 25, 2006

ET reports that operators are keen to spread their presence in Jammu and Kashmir due to strong demand for cellphones there. The demand is driven not only by local residents, but also by defence personnel posted in the tough terrain.

There are three operators in the state – BSNL, Airtel and Aircel. Hutch is keen to enter the state soon. BSNL has 415 sites across J&K, out of which around 30 are in villages close to the LoC in Poonch, Baramulla, Kupwara, Doda and other areas. Bharti Tele-Ventures has around 300 sites while Aircel (recently acquired by Malaysian company Maxis) has 190 cell sites.

The areas close to the LoC, still exposed to cross-border infiltration, are now on the radar of telecom operators. Telcos are setting up base stations in villages that are 3 km to 5km from the LoC to meet the fast growing demand for mobile telephony. However, there are no services on or very close to the LoC.

Its a boon for our Jawans to be able to stay in touch with their families.

“Being connected with our home while being hundreds of kilometres away is a dream come true. Though wireline services have been available for many years, it is mobile phones that have revolutionised communication for us,

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