Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh): Charang, which holds the distinction of being the last village on the Indo-China border in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district, is all set to get 'uninterrupted mobile connectivity'. Thanks to the efforts of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the public sector telephone service provider - whose social responsibility initiative had made it possible to establish a Base Transmission Station (BTS) at remote and far-flung Charang, enabling the local residents to utilise the cellular services!
At a time when tensions between China and India had flared up, poor cellular connectivity in tribal villages of Kinnaur, especially those close to the international border, had become a concern for the residents.
But the villagers of Charang erupted in joy when they got cellular connectivity in their area for the first time.
Reportedly, days after the violent face-off between India and China in Galwan Valley of Ladakh, the authorities have suspended mobile services in border areas of Kinnaur district.
"It is good news for people as mobile network connectivity is being started in Kinnaur district's Charang and other bordering villages which did not have mobile connectivity before. We were already reeling under COVID-19. Children in border villages were also unable to attend their online classes and complete their homework and assignments in the absence of internet connection. Now people of these villages will get voice connectivity and 4G network which will enable them to get connected with the rest of the world," a villager had said.
To ensure uninterrupted power supply to the tower, BSNL has approached the state government for installation of solar panels, as the power supply to tribal areas gets affected during heavy snow. However, the panels are yet to be installed.
There are check posts of ITBP and the Indian Army. In such a situation, it will be convenient for the army and ITBP to reach the village via the network facility. Due to the low subscription rate and high spectrum cost, not many private cellular companies are keen on expanding their network in the region. Therefore, the government urged BSNL to increase its mobile towers in the district.
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