Mubashir Bukhari
Srinagar (NVI): Amid COVID-19 scare and demand for high-speed internet, J&K Government today further extended ongoing curbs on 4G connectivity till April 3.
Principal Secretary to Government, Home Department, Shaleen Kabra in an official order said that the internet shall be restricted to 2G only till April 3.
“Taking note of the overall security situation in the UT of J&K and the latest reports of the law enforcement agencies, particularly with regard to the speed-related restrictions on the mobile data services, and upon assessment of the available alternatives. Principal Secretary to Government, Home Department, being satisfied that it is absolutely necessary so to do, in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India,” the order reads.
According to the order, the postpaid SIM card holders shall be provided with access to the internet. However, such access shall not be made available on pre-paid sim cards unless verified as per the norms applicable for postpaid connections.
It also directed for continuation of Mac-binding internet connectivity for fixed landline connections.
“The directions shall be effective immediately and remain in force upto 3rd April, 2020, unless modified earlier,” reads the order.
Internet services along with mobile and fixed landline telephony were suspended in Kashmir on August 4 last year.
From the past few weeks, people and other political leaders had asked UT and GoI to restore 4G internet in Jammu and Kashmir keeping in view the present situation.
