In July 2024, our team set out on a mission to connect Turtuk, a remote border village, to the digital world. The first step was a site survey—assessing the landscape, identifying potential connection points, and determining where our BTS (Base Transceiver Station) and main hub would be placed. Homestays, hospitals, and key community spaces were marked as priority locations for connectivity.
The challenge was clear—Turtuk’s existing internet infrastructure was unreliable. BSNL’s fiber-based network, the only available option, could take a week or more to restore when damaged. With no local engineers, repairs meant waiting for a technician from Leh, hours away. Power sources for the BTS were also scarce, making infrastructure planning even more critical.
In August, we returned, this time with hardware in hand. The mission had gained local support—residents eager for connectivity helped spread the word. Crucially, our approach was different. Unlike fiber, which was prone to breakage and long downtimes, we introduced a wireless network, offering stability and ease of maintenance. The region’s extreme weather made traditional subscription management cumbersome—pausing a connection required a trip to Leh just to submit a form. A better system was needed.
As installations began, momentum built. Connections went live, and demand grew. But by October, Turtuk began to wind down for the winter, with many residents temporarily relocating to Delhi, Chandigarh, or Leh.
Our work didn’t stop at Turtuk. Nearby, in Tyakshi, we discovered another BTS, presenting an opportunity to extend our network. A P2P (Point-to-Point) axis was established, bringing internet to four homestays in the village. Even beyond Turtuk, smaller communities remained disconnected.
One such village was Puchathang, accessible only via a rugged trek. With no roads leading in, our team hiked through challenging terrain to complete a site survey. The need was clear, and so was our mission—to ensure that this year, even Puchathang gets connected.
As we look ahead to summer 2025, the goal remains the same: bridging the digital divide, one village at a time.