4G Internet Services Are Back In J&K After 18 Months

by Shatakshi Gupta
Shatakshi Gupta
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In a major decision, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has restored 4G mobile Internet service in the entire UT after about one and a half years. Principal Secretary (Power and Information) Rohit Kansal gave this information on Friday evening. The order was issued after the special committee took note of the inputs and apprehensions of the security agencies and police forces. It is being told that this step has been taken in view of online studies of students.

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Ever since the removal of article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, internet service was stopped from August 5, 2019. However, 2G service was restored on 25 January last year. To bring normal life completely back on track, 4G internet service has now been completely restored. National Conference President and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah also appealed to PM Modi to start 4G service in Jammu and Kashmir.Abdullah has written on his account – “4G Mubarak.”

4G was operational in less sensitive districts

 It may be noted that earlier this year, 4G service was restored on a trial basis in less sensitive areas of Jammu and Kashmir. After this, now the service has been restored in the entire Union Territory.  Notably, on 6 May 2020, 2G internet service was also stopped after Hizbul commander RiyazNaiku was killed in Pulwama encounter. About a week later, internet was turned-on in Pulwama.  For the first time since August 2019, 4G mobile data service was restored across Jammu and Kashmir.

Hardship faced by natives

Apart from students who faced problems in studying online during Pandemic, Businesses too have borne the brunt of slow internet, particularly IT companies, start-ups and call centres. With the return of high-speed internet, they can resume normal operations.

Appeal was made in Supreme Court

 A petition was also filed in the Supreme Court for the commencement of 4G service in Jammu and Kashmir. The Special Committee constituted in the Supreme Court had said that the danger in Jammu and Kashmir is still at its peak. The restrictions related to the Internet are not causing any disruption in the case of COVID and education. It is not possible to restore high speed internet service in the situation that is present.