No network in Nathula so jawans borrow phones from Chinese soldiers

[Sashan]

The telecom revolution may have networked the length and breadth of the country but it hasn’t quite touched jawans at the China border at Nathula who are forced to borrow handsets from their Chinese counterparts on the other side of the fence to stay in touch with their families.

This was the startling discovery made by members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology during a study visit to Nathula Pass in July last year. The Committee’s tour notes record this: “The Army personnel during the deliberations brought the attention of the Committee to poor telecom connectivity at Nathula. The Committee expressed unhappiness to learn from the jawans that they have to borrow the handsets from the jawans posted in the borders on the other side to remain in touch with their family members.”

Several private players have a presence in Sikkim but these are focused on Gangtok and adjoining areas with state-owned BSNL being the only major service provider near the Nathula outpost. However, procurement of mobile towers and telephone exchanges by BSNL for deployment near the army camp has been delayed, “For the last four years, purchase orders have not been placed,”said a BSNL official. The House panel asked BSNL to fast-track the purchase but nothing has moved so far.

Nathula in Sikkim’s East district is one of the three open trading border posts between China and India. Agreements limit trade across Nathula to 29 types of goods from India and 15 from the Chinese side after it was reopened in 2006.


No network in Nathula so jawans borrow phones from Chinese soldiers - Indian Express

 

[cloud_9]

AFAIK to get ISD on Chinese mobile phone(Prepaid) you have to make a request in written and pay some fee.And most of the people don't opt for ISD.

 

[Kyusuibu Honbu]

Reminds of Russian offensive on Georgia, where a solider had to borrow a reporter's satellite phone for communication.

Can anyone tell how IA maintains communications at the battle front?

 

[Sashan]

Looks like all these d*** measuring contests happen only among the internet warriors. In the border, all seems to be normal. But I read somewhere Jawans have access to satellite phones and that is what they use to call their homes.

 

[Chinese-Dragon]

You're welcome.

Next time you can borrow some ammunition as well.

 

[Sashan]

You're welcome.

Next time you can borrow some ammunition as well.

And here you go. I read this news before I hit the bed wondering whether I should post it or not as it might lead to trollfest. And an elite member starting it - wonderful.

 

[COLDHEARTED AVIATOR]

Good to know that there are good relations between the IA and PLA.

 

[miss]

indians play film music loudly on the request of chinese soldiers

 

[Tshering22]

I don't think eastern border is hostile unless and until some aggressive rogue commander presses the men to push for it. One thing's for sure; eastern border is sure more peaceful than Pakistan's border with us courtesy their non-state actors and all.

 

[ZABASHO]

AFAIK to get ISD on Chinese mobile phone(Prepaid) you have to make a request in written and pay some fee.And most of the people don't opt for ISD.

nothing of that sorts, IDD service is activated along with the activation of any new SIM card (prepaid or postpaid). No ID proof for prepaid account either!

Also I read in an article, the PLA take cigarettes from the Indian side, some local easter Indian brands, apparently they admire a bit. Anyways good humane gesture by the PLA. Thank you! And fu(k you GoI.

 

[roshangjha]

nothing of that sorts, IDD service is activated along with the activation of any new SIM card (prepaid or postpaid). No ID proof for prepaid account either!

Also I read in an article, the PLA take cigarettes from the Indian side, some local easter Indian brands, apparently they admire a bit. Anyways good humane gesture by the PLA. Thank you! And fu(k you GoI.

For what?? What harm did our Government cause to you?

 

[third eye]

Something is not seeming right.

Having been to Nathu La on numerous occasions I have often stopped at the military STD booths en route and used the cell phone even at the Temple of Baba Harbhajan Singh ahead of Nathu La when going from Gangtok .

I doubt if Chnese Border Guards loan their phones to make calls from. A random case just for the sake of its novelty of letting folks know of " see ! I am calling from a Chinese number !" cannot be ruled out.

 

[airuah]

You're welcome.

Next time you can borrow some ammunition as well.

true ...and you guys can help us from wasting them by shooting yourselves with them

 

[ZABASHO]

For what?? What harm did our Government cause to you?

they position the troops at the border and even during peacetime fail to provide means of communication for the soldiers to allow them to speak to their loved ones. Heck US even provides for its armed forces' personnel to skype during war time, and we cant do this little, disgusting!

 

[Tractor]

Too friendly,how could Chinese soldiers lend cellphones to their enemies,no discipline?What else be lent to or even just be given to,money?I know Chinese soldiers are used to be smiley and it's not easy for them to keep their eyes wide-open just as Indians which could easily to do so.