Key Highlights

• The decision: J&K has approved land for mobile towers in underserved areas under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
• Areas covered: Uri, Tangmarg, Karnah, Kalakote, Kralpora, Basantgarh, Khour, Latti Marothi, Banihal, Pogal Paristan, Ramsoo and Qila Darhal.
• The gap: Of 6,474 villages, 248 had no mobile coverage as of early 2026.
• Who builds: The new towers will be set up by BSNL.
• Benefits: Better access to online education, e-governance and emergency communication in border villages.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has approved land for installing mobile towers in underserved and border areas, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced on X.

The approval covers Uri, Tangmarg, Karnah, Kalakote, Kralpora, Basantgarh, Khour, Latti Marothi, Banihal, Pogal Paristan, Ramsoo and Qila Darhal. The new BSNL towers will be funded under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).

"The initiative will strengthen connectivity in remote and border villages, support online education and access to e-governance services, improve emergency communication and bridge the digital divide," Abdullah said.

Where J&K's Connectivity Stands

Percentages calculated from official figures.

Why It Matters: The Hardest 4% Is the Most Important

J&K's numbers look strong overall: about 96% of villages have mobile coverage. But the remaining 248 villages are mostly in remote, hilly and border belts, where geography makes towers expensive and difficult to build.

These are also the places where connectivity matters most. For families in border areas like Uri and Karnah, a mobile signal can mean the difference between reaching emergency help quickly or not. It also opens access to online classes, government services and digital payments that most of the country now takes for granted.

That is why the land approval is significant. Securing land is often one of the biggest hurdles in building towers in difficult terrain. By clearing it, the government has removed a key bottleneck.

For Travellers: How Mobile Works in J&K

• Postpaid works: Postpaid connections from Jio, Airtel and BSNL work across the UT.
• Out-of-state prepaid doesn't: Prepaid SIMs issued outside J&K usually do not work due to security regulations.
• Get a local SIM: Visitors can buy a local prepaid or tourist SIM at major airports or railway stations with Aadhaar or passport KYC.
• Best coverage: Jio and Airtel offer the strongest 4G and some 5G in Srinagar, Jammu, Gulmarg and Pahalgam; BSNL has the widest reach in remote and high-altitude areas.

The Bottom Line

J&K has connected most of its villages. The new towers target the toughest remaining gaps, in border and mountain areas where a signal is not a convenience but a lifeline.

With inputs from IANS.