BUDGAM: Residents of Samsan village in Khansahib tehsil of Budgam district are grappling with severe mobile network issues, as the area continues to remain without any telecom connectivity in the digital age.

Locals said that despite the presence of leading telecom providers like Jio, Airtel, BSNL, and Vodafone across Jammu and Kashmir, not a single mobile tower has been installed in their village. "We are completely cut off, no calls, no internet, nothing," said one resident, adding that this blackout has particularly impacted students and emergency communication.

"Even in times of medical emergencies or government announcements, we are the last to know. Our children can't attend online classes or access learning material," another resident said.

Students in the area say they are being left behind in the age of digital education. "We can't download assignments, attend virtual classes or even use basic study apps. We are losing out academically just because of poor connectivity," said a Class 12th student.

Residents said they often walk long distances or climb higher ground just to catch a weak signal for a call or message. "Sometimes we go out in the dark to find signal bars. This is risky, especially due to leopard sightings in the area," locals said.

People of Samsan have appealed to the administration, Khansahib MLA, and telecom authorities to immediately address the issue and install a mobile tower to bridge the growing digital gap in the region.