Reliance Jio, in partnership with the Indian Army, has become the first telecom operator to offer 4G and 5G connectivity at the Siachen Glacier. The glacier, which is 16,000 feet high in the Karakoram range, is notorious for its severe weather, with temperatures as low as -50 degrees. 

At a forward post, Jio installed its in-house full-stack 5G technology utilising plug-and-play, pre-configured hardware. "This achievement was made possible in coordination with Army Signallers from planning to multiple training sessions, system pre-configuration, and comprehensive testing," the company said in a statement. 

The logistics, including airlifting the required equipment to the glacier, are also attributed to the Indian Army. In addition to improving communication for soldiers positioned at the highest battlefield in the world, the connection breakthrough highlights the growing significance of technological breakthroughs in aiding national defence. 

Reliance Jio is working to expand its network in the remote Ladakh region, focusing on forward posts and border areas. Jio is the first telecom company to bring 4G services to these difficult terrains, providing reliable digital connectivity to soldiers and local communities. The launch of 5G services at Siachen Glacier marks a significant milestone for India's telecom industry.