Airtel becomes first private telco to bring network to Ladakh’s remote Man and Merak villages

Jio rival Bharti Airtel has extended its mobile network to Man and Merak, two of the most remote villages on the eastern border of Ladakh near Pangong Lake. 

With this rollout, Airtel has become the only telecom operator offering reliable mobile connectivity across this high-altitude terrain.

For years, the stretch between the two villages had no network access, leaving a nearly 50-kilometre corridor without any communication support. Residents, tourists and security forces travelling through the region were forced to navigate one of India’s toughest terrains without mobile connectivity.

Airtel now aims to ensure that the entire route between Chushul and Pangong Tso is connected. The company said the deployment would not only support the steady flow of tourists heading to Pangong Lake but also unlock essential digital services for local communities.

"Located along the stretch between Man and Merak villages on the eastern border of Ladakh, this area has long struggled with zero connectivity and no telecom network availability, leaving a vast corridor of approximately 50 kilometres without coverage. High-speed network rollout in these villages marks a transformative moment, enabling residents, security forces, and tourists to stay connected in one of India's toughest terrains," Airtel said in a statement.

“Connecting Man and Merak is a huge step forward in our mission to extend world-class digital access to India’s remotest regions,” said Dibyendu Aich, COO – Jammu and Kashmir, Bharti Airtel.

He said the upgraded sites would strengthen everyday communication for residents and enable services such as digital payments, emergency assistance and access to common digital tools.