NEW DELHI/SRINAGAR: Highspeed 4G internet services were restored in entire Jammu and Kashmir on Friday in view of the “overall security situation” in the Union Territory, nearly one-and-a-half years after they were snapped in view of concerns arising out of nullification of Article 370.
Internet services across J&K were shut on August 5, 2019, and subsequently restored at 2G speed. The 4G services resumed in two districts — Ganderbal and Udhampur — in August last year on a trial basis, while the other 18 districts continued to work with 2G with the now-fortnightly orders extending the 4G ban citing security concerns.
Government sources drew attention to the Jammu & Kashmir home department’s order, which cited the “advice of the special committee (constituted on advice of the Supreme Court)” and “a careful review of the overall security scenario” to “revoke the restrictions on mobile data services and fixed line internet connectivity… except to the extent that pre-paid SIM card holders shall be provided access to internet connectivity only after verification as per norms applicable for postpaid connections.”
The order was issued after the special committee took note of inputs and apprehensions of security agencies as also the assessment of opening of high speed mobile internet connectivity in Ganderbal and Udhampur.
Jammu & Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha, who since taking over in the Union Territory in August last year had ensured consistent review of the ban by the special committee, put his stamp of approval to restore 4G services.