Airtel Extends Mobile Connectivity for Indian Army in Arunachal Pradesh, Plans Phase 2 Expansion
Guwahati, June 17, 2026: Bharti Airtel has successfully completed the first phase of a strategic connectivity initiative with the 4 Corps of the Indian Army headquartered at Tezpur, significantly improving mobile network access across remote regions of Arunachal Pradesh.
With the deployment, Airtel has become the first and only telecom operator to provide reliable mobile connectivity in several mountainous and high-altitude locations that have traditionally faced severe communication challenges.
Network Infrastructure Deployed Across 30 Army Stations
As part of Phase 1, Airtel established telecommunications infrastructure across 30 Indian Army stations situated in difficult terrain and remote border regions.
The deployment is expected to enhance voice and data services for both military personnel and civilians living in these isolated areas, enabling them to remain connected with their families and access digital services more effectively.
Indian Army Provided Critical Logistical Support
The successful implementation of the project was made possible through close collaboration between Airtel and the Indian Army.
According to the company, the Army extended substantial logistical assistance, including support for fiber deployment and power infrastructure. In locations lacking road connectivity, Army personnel facilitated the movement of Airtel’s technical teams and telecom equipment deep into the mountainous regions.
Phase 2 to Cover 15 Additional Locations
Following the successful completion of the initial phase, Airtel and the Indian Army have agreed to launch Phase 2 of the project.
Under the next stage, new network sites will be established across 15 additional locations in Arunachal Pradesh, further strengthening telecommunications infrastructure in strategically important and hard-to-reach areas.
Airtel Reaffirms Commitment to Bridging the Digital Divide
Commenting on the development, Balaji R, CEO – North East and Assam, Bharti Airtel, said:
"This initiative reflects Airtel's continued commitment to extending connectivity to some of the country's most difficult terrains. Our teams worked under demanding high-altitude conditions and adverse weather to ensure timely and secure network activation. We are deeply grateful to the Indian Army for their unparalleled logistical support, which made it possible to bring digital connectivity to these frontier regions."
He added that the expansion highlights Airtel's commitment to narrowing the digital divide and supporting India's broader digital transformation agenda.
Airtel Strengthens Presence Across Challenging Terrains
Headquartered in India, Bharti Airtel serves more than 600 million customers across 15 countries and ranks among the world's top three mobile operators.
The company continues to invest in expanding its network footprint and offers a wide range of services including 4G and 5G mobile connectivity, broadband, digital payments, cloud services, cybersecurity solutions, IoT offerings, and enterprise communication platforms.