Raja Syed Rather
Leh, Ladakh, Jan 17 :
In a historic move, Siachen Glacier, recognized as the world’s highest and most inhospitable battlefield, is now equipped with 5G connectivity.
Announced on the eve of Army Day, January 15, 2025, this achievement promises to transform communications for Indian soldiers stationed in this extreme and isolated environment.
In collaboration with Reliance Jio and the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, troops at the Siachen Glacier—situated at an altitude of 16,000 feet at Karakoram Range—can now access high-speed internet and cellular communication.
This development marks a significant leap forward in bridging the communication gap in one of the most challenging terrains on earth.
Previously, soldiers at Siachen, known for its subzero temperatures that can plummet to -50°C, faced difficulties with communication, relying on landlines and visits to regimental phone booths to reach their families. With the introduction of 4G and 5G services, soldiers will experience faster, real-time, and more reliable connectivity.
Setting up the telecommunications infrastructure in such extreme conditions was no easy feat. With temperatures regularly dipping below -40°C, transporting and installing equipment posed a significant challenge.
However, a joint effort between the Indian Army’s Signallers and Jio’s technical team ensured successful deployment. The Army facilitated airlifting of Jio’s equipment, which was pre-configured for quick setup.
The 14 Corps shared the milestone on social media, saying, “Fire and Fury Signallers and Siachen Warriors overcame harsh terrain and extreme temperatures below -40°C to install the first-ever 5G Base Transceiver Station (BTS) at North Glacier.”
This advancement not only improves the welfare of soldiers by offering enhanced communication with their families, but it also boosts operational efficiency. With real-time data and swift communication, the troops can now perform their duties more effectively, ensuring success in high-pressure military operations.
Moreover, this technological leap aligns with India’s efforts to match China’s mobile network infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), ensuring parity in digital capabilities in strategically sensitive regions.
The 5G network at Siachen Glacier represents a major step toward modernizing military communication, strengthening both soldier morale and national security—(KNO)