Bengaluru, NFAPost: In a historic development, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has successfully established a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) on the perilous heights of Siachen Glacier in Ladakh. This groundbreaking initiative aims to provide critical mobile communication services for soldiers stationed at an astounding altitude of over 15,500 feet.
The commendable feat was proudly announced by the Army’s Fire and Fury Corps based in Leh, who took to social media to share this significant milestone. The newly commissioned BTS site stands as a beacon of connectivity in one of the world’s most challenging terrains.
“#SiachenWarriors in collaboration with BSNL established first-ever BSNL BTS at forward posts of the highest battlefield on 06 October to extend mobile communication for the soldiers deployed at more than 15,500 feet,” proclaimed the Fire and Fury Corps in a tweet.
Accompanying the announcement were poignant images of Siachen Warriors braving the harsh elements to install the towers amidst the snowbound expanse. This development means that troops can now bridge the distance to their families while discharging their duties in the unforgiving environment of the coldest and highest battlefield.
Expressing gratitude, the District Magistrate of Leh, Santosh Sukhadeve, commended the Fire and Fury Corps for their swift action in securing the area, including the effective disabling of over 175 mines.
“On behalf of Phobrang, Yourgo, and Lukung villagers, we thank the Fire and Fury Corps for their swift action in fencing and clearing the area by successfully destroying over 175 mines,” Sukhadeve shared on social media.
Elaborating on this monumental achievement, District Disaster Management Officer Devendra Patwal underscored the significance of the project, highlighting that BSNL services would now be accessible at 69 locations, including the strategic outposts of Nelong and Jadung. This means that not only the armed forces but also personnel from ITBP and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), as well as local labourers, will benefit from enhanced connectivity along the international border.
A Base Transceiver Station (BTS), at its core, serves as the linchpin of any mobile network. It acts as a fixed radio transceiver, facilitating seamless communication between mobile devices and the network. By transmitting and receiving radio signals, the BTS converts them into digital signals, enabling them to traverse the network to reach other terminals or connect to the internet.
The Siachen Glacier, often dubbed as the highest-altitude battleground globally, lies in close proximity to the Indo-Pak Line of Control. This colossal ice mass stands as the largest glacier in India and the second-largest in the world. In this forbidding landscape, soldiers hold steadfast, making Siachen Glacier the ultimate crucible of valour and resilience.
This momentous achievement not only signifies a triumph in technological innovation but also stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and resolve of those who serve in the harshest of environments, ensuring that even in the remotest corners, connectivity remains a lifeline.
