Minister of state for communications and IT, Sachin Pilot launched BSNL’s mobile services at Amarnath cave by making the fist call to N N Vohra, Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, from the Holy cave. The shrine is located at height of 13,500 feet.

The Yatra route, so far was not served by any telecom operator and would enjoy telecom services for the first time.  

Eleven towers have been put up at Baltal-I, Baltal-II, Baltal Base Camp, Noonwan, Lakipora, Betab Valley, Domail, Sangam/Holi Cave, Panchtarni, Chandanwari & Chandanwari Base Camp – of which some are on motorable road some are on pony track. Reiterating the commitment of the BSNL to provide telephone services throughout the country, including geographically difficult areas.

At present, BSNL has 8.72 lakh mobile connections in Jammu & Kashmir and has 1299 mobile towers through which it is offering mobile services in the State. BSNL provides connectivity to 95.22% of National Highways passing through Jammu & Kashmir, 73.32% of the State Highways and 100% railway routes. 284 more towers will be installed in the State in 2010-11 to ensure smooth and widespread coverage. Out of 6471 inhabited villages in the State, 5994 villages have already been provided with Village Public Telephones. The rest will be connected on a fast track.