After 4 Years, 4G Mobile Internet Services Restored in Jammu & Kashmir

SRINAGAR: 4G internet services are being restored across Jammu and Kashmir for the first time after 2 years, a senior government official said on Friday.

"4G mobile internet services being restored in entire J&K," tweeted Jammu and Kashmir administration spokesperson Rohit Kansal.

Notably, the restoration of the internet comes after two years when Jammu and Kashmir were put under suspension in a democratic country on August 5, 2019.

Internet services were snapped in Jammu and Kashmir before the Centre announced the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution on August 5, 2019.

The abrogation of Article 370 stripped J&K of its special status, splitting it into two Union Territories - J&K and Ladakh.

Earlier, as per the directive of the Apex Court, broadband internet and slow mobile data were restored in phase manner after a PIL was heard on the assault on free speech and democratic rights.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister of J&K Omar Abdullah on his Twitter handle wrote, "4G Mubarak! For the first time since Aug 2019, all of J&K will have 4G mobile data. Better late than never."

However, prepaid SIM cardholders shall be provided access to the internet connectivity only after verification as per norms applicable for post-paid connections, an official notification stated.

"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. Home-02 (TSTS) of 2021 dated 22.01.2021, except to the extent that the prepaid SIM cardholders shall be provided access to the internet connectivity only after verification as per norms applicable for post-paid connections," the official notification read.

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