4G mobile Internet being restored in entire J&K: Rohit Kansal

SRINAGAR — After remaining suspended for 550 days, the high-speed mobile data services would be restored shortly across Jammu and Kashmir.

The government spokesman, Rohit Kansal in a tweet informed that 4G mobile Internet services are being restored in J&K.

“4G mobile Internet services being restored in entire J&K,” Kansal tweeted.

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir’s Home Department confirmed the restoration of high-speed mobile Internet services, by issuing an order titled “Temporary suspension of Telecom Services-directions reg(arding)”.

The Government Order No: Home-07 (TSTS) of 2021; Dated: 05.02.2021 stated the following:

“Whereas, restrictions on access to high-speed mobile Internet have been imposed in the UT of J&K, with periodic assessment of the ground situation and inputs from the law enforcement agencies, and at present, the position regarding availability of internet services is as follows:

I. Mobile Data Services:

a) The Internet speed is available at 2G, except in the districts of Ganderbal and Udhampur, where mobile Internet connectivity has been made available without any speed related restrictions.

b) The post-paid SIM card holders have been given access to the Internet, whereas, the availability of these services is provided to the pre-paid SIM card holders, only after verification as per the norms applicable for post-paid connections.

II. Fixed line Internet Connectivity:

Internet connectivity is available with Mac-binding; and

2. Whereas, to make an objective assessment of the prevailing circumstances and necessity of continuation of these restrictions, the Special Committee, constituted under the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in its order dated 11.05.2020 titled “Foundation for Media Professionals Vs. UT of J&K and others”, held its 6th meeting on 04.02.2021, in which, among other things, it took note of the inputs and apprehensions of the security agencies and police forces as also the assessment of opening of high-speed mobile Internet connectivity in the districts of Udhampur and Ganderbal.

Now, therefore, keeping in view the advice of the Special Committee and upon careful review of the overall security scenario, I, Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department [Competent Authority under sub-rule (1) of Rule 2 of the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017], hereby revoke the restrictions on mobile data services and fixed line Internet connectivity placed vide Government order No. ome-02(TSTS) of 2021; Dated: 22.01.2021, except to the extent that the pre-paid SIM card holders shall be provided access to the Internet connectivity only after verification as per the norms applicable for post-paid connections.

The IsGP, Kashmir/Jammu, who are the Authorized Officers in their respective areas of jurisdiction, shall ensure compliance of this order by the service providers forthwith. They shall also closely monitor the impact of lifting of restrictions.”

Notably, the high-speed mobile data services were restored in twin J&K districts including Ganderbal in Kashmir and Udhampur in Jammu division on “a trial basis” on August 16, 2020.

The services were suspended on August 05, 2019 when the government in Centre abrogated the special status of J&K and bifurcated the erstwhile State into two Union territories.