Army sets up own mobile network in J&K

JAMMU: Code named Murcury Blaze, the first ever Mobile Cellular Communication System (MCCS) of the Army is being tested in operational area of its 16 Corps in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The pilot project is being handled by the Army's Corps of Signals and has come up in Jammu region," an Army official said on Monday.

"The MCCS would replace the old wireless communication system used during counter-insurgency operations in the state," he said adding the sophisticated technology would ensure faster mobility of troops during anti-terrorist operations.

"It will also enhance battlefield transparency and troops would be able to coordinate and carry out counter-terrorist operations in best possible way," he said. The work on the project was started in January 2006 and would be complete by January next.

A series of mobile towers and other infrastructure have already been set up in Rajouri, Doda, Udhampur, Nagrota in Jammu and Poonch district.

"The MCCS will provide secured mobile communication to troops in all formations, field units down to the platoon level in 16 Corps' operational area," he added.

"The 16 Corps' operational area is spread from south of Pir Panjal range to plains of Jammu. Not only would the mobile system provide best secured communication to troops but also data communication directly to the operational areas," he said.

"The Corps of Singal units at different places are presently weighing its reliability as well as secured voice and data systems," he said.