Army to launch own mobile service in June

Decks have been cleared for the country-wide launch of Indian army's own Mobile Communication System, code named 'Mercury blaze', next month.

The army's Corps of Signals, which is handling the work on the mega project is presently weighing its reliability as well as secured voice and data systems, army officials said. The project was launched in January 2006 and is expected to be completed this month end.

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

Not only would the

mobile system provide best secured communication to troops but also data communication directly to the operational areas, they said.

"It will also enhance battlefield transparency and troops would be able to coordinate and carry out counter-insurgency operations in best possible way," they said.

A series of mobile towers and other infrastructure have already been set up across the country in army formations, including Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri, Doda, Udhampur, Jammu and Poonch districts.

The mobile network was put to trials in army's Nagrota based 16 Corps operational area, spread from South of Pir Panjal range to plains of Jammu and it came out successful and error free, they said.