Airtel India announces that the network operator has become the first in India to launch 4G services in the Ladakh region and customers in 130 towns and villages, including Kargil, Leh, and Dras will be able to connect to 4G networks.
The rollout, which is part of Project Leap – Airtel’s network transformation initiative, is a testament to the company’s network execution capabilities. Airtel’s network teams and partners have overcome the challenge of extremely difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions, including sub-zero temperatures, to deploy a state-of-the-art 4G network in the region. To give a perspective, Dras, located in Kargil District and considered as the gateway to Ladakh, is the coldest inhabited place in India and the second coldest in the world.
Besides empowering the local population, Airtel’s 4G deployment will also ensure that tourists visiting the region stay connected to high speed data services. Kargil War Memorial, Sangam, Magnetic Hill, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Thiksey Monastery, Alchi Monastery, Lamayuru Monastery, Moon Land Lamayuru, Sakti towards pangong Lake, Stok Palace and Hall of Fame are amongst the several popular spots now covered by Airtel 4G.
Commenting on the launch, Ajai Puri, Chief Operating Officer (India & South Asia), Bharti Airtel said,
“This is a major milestone for India and for Airtel. Having pioneered 4G rollout in India, Airtel has been committed to expanding its high speed data networks to every corner of the country and contribute to the Government’s Digital India vision. As part of Project Leap, we will continue to channel investments towards building a world class future ready network that touches every Indian.”
For travellers, connectivity was always an issue in the Ladakh region where some of the areas had only the satellite phones to make the basic calls back to their places, and in the major places like Leh, it was only the 2G networks from a few providers that helped make calls, and the data connectivity was almost nil.
