Itanagar, April 30: 4G service have reached the villages near the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh, providing local populations with access to a range of digital services.
The Airtel 4G tower has already been launched in Lumpo, while Reliance Jio is expected to connect Jang and Tawang in the coming weeks. With the installation of these towers, local populations will have access to services such as online banking, education, shopping, and government services. This is a significant step forward for the local population who previously relied on limited 2G services provided by BSNL, a government-owned telecommunications company.
Improved access to digital services
The installation of 4G towers will also help boost online services in the region. Tawang Sub Post Master NK Sharma noted that inland letters have declined, while e-commerce parcels have increased significantly. The number of e-commerce parcels dispatched daily has doubled in recent years, and 60% of households in Tawang now shop online.
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Improving education for children
The new 4G services will also make it easier for children in these remote villages to access education. Previously, students would need to travel to Tawang town to receive an education, as it was difficult to clear small doubts related to studies in the villages. With 4G services now available, local schools will be able to provide online classes, meaning that children in remote areas will have access to a better education.
Coverage along the border
Jio and Airtel are both investing heavily in providing 4G coverage along the Indian border, with Jio boasting 457 sites on international borders, and Airtel having 383 sites. The government has approved 2,605 4G mobile towers to provide connectivity to over 3,721 villages in Arunachal Pradesh, including Bum La Pass near the line of actual control. The entire border area will soon be covered with 4G towers, and 2G sites in those areas are being upgraded to 4G.
Benefits for the local economy
The improvement in net connectivity is also having a positive impact on the local economy. Local entrepreneurs are now ordering goods online and delivering them to the area, giving people more choices in what they can purchase. E-commerce parcels have increased significantly in the last two years, with the Tawang Sub Post Master dispatching 80-85 parcels daily.
