STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: BSNL Jammu and Kashmir Telecom Circle has made special efforts for taking care of communication requirements of Yatris visiting Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine by commissioning 17 BTSs (2G and 3G) en-route holy cave from both northern and southern routes i.e. Baltal Base Camp to Holy Cave, and Chandanwari Base Camp to Holy Cave. BSNL only had been providing mobile services to Yatris since 2010 and 3G services were also made available to Yatris since last year.
More than 35 Kms of Optical Fibre Cable has been laid and 7 VSATs (satellite terminals) installed for connecting these BTSs to the communication network. Four Digital Satellite Public Telephones were also installed for special communication needs of SASB. The equipment and material was taken through ponies and head-load. Several BSNL Teams were specially deputed for installation and made tireless efforts to ensure timely provisioning of communication facilities despite climatic and geographical challenges as the terrain is difficult at an altitude of about more than 13,000 feet above sea level.
Ministry of Home Affairs / DOT had accorded consent to BSNL for providing mobile services through pre-activated SIM cards to the Yatris. BSNL approved special tariff with Rs.195 (including the cost of SIM, per second plan voucher and preloaded STV of Rs. 158) with 7,200 seconds free talk time and 250 MB free data and validity of seven days. For obtaining BSNL SIM card, photo copy of counter foil of Registration Slip issued by SASB in addition to normal documents like CAF, POA, POI and applicant’s photograph is required.
BSNL pre-activated SIM cards are available for the Yatris only at Lakhanpur Border, Bhagwati Nagar Jammu, Base Camps at Baltal and Pahalgam.