Srinagar, October 6, 2026: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved the provision of land for installing mobile towers in 12 underserved areas across the Union Territory, in a move aimed at improving high-speed telecom connectivity in remote, rural and border regions.
The initiative, announced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is being implemented under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) and is expected to strengthen communication infrastructure in areas where connectivity remains limited.
Mobile Towers Planned Across J&K
According to the details shared by the Chief Minister, land has been approved for the installation of BSNL mobile towers in Uri, Tangmarg, Karnah, Kalakote, Kralpora, Basantgarh, Khour, Latti Marothi, Banihal, Pogal Paristan, Ramsoo and Qila Darhal.
Several of these locations are in remote, hilly or border areas, where geographical challenges can make the expansion of telecom infrastructure more difficult.
The planned installations are intended to extend reliable mobile services to communities that continue to face gaps in connectivity.
Focus on Remote and Border Communities
The government initiative is aimed at expanding high-speed telecom coverage and improving access to digital services for residents of underserved areas.
Improved mobile connectivity can provide greater access to online education, e-governance platforms and digital services. Better network availability is also expected to strengthen communication during emergencies, particularly in remote and border villages.
The expansion is part of wider efforts to reduce the digital divide between urban centres and areas where telecom infrastructure has historically been less developed.
USOF to Support Telecom Expansion
The mobile tower project is being facilitated through the Universal Service Obligation Fund, a mechanism used to extend telecommunications services to areas where commercial deployment may otherwise be difficult.
The latest decision comes against the backdrop of continuing efforts to improve mobile connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir. Official parliamentary data presented earlier this year stated that 4G mobile services were available in 6,208 of J&K’s 6,474 villages, covering around 96 per cent of the Union Territory’s population. The Department of Telecommunications had also approved projects to provide connectivity in remaining underserved locations.
Push to Bridge J&K’s Digital Divide
The provision of dedicated land for telecom infrastructure is expected to facilitate the deployment of mobile towers in difficult geographical locations.
For residents of far-flung villages, stronger connectivity can have practical benefits ranging from access to digital education and government services to improved communication facilities.
The move is therefore expected to contribute to the broader expansion of digital infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in areas that continue to face connectivity challenges.