Srinagar: Putting aside speculations about restoration of high speed internet in Kashmir, the J&K government Thursday further extended the ongoing curbs on 4G connectivity till April 3.
The Home Department, in an official order, extended the ban on high speed internet claiming it was “absolutely necessary to do so in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India.”
The decision, the order read was taken, after “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.”
The order said that the mobile data services speed shall be restricted to 2G only.
“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,” the order read.
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,” read the order signed by Principal Secretary to Government, Shaleen Kabra.
The latest order is a blow to public expectations of 4G restoration in the ongoing coronavirus epidemic.
Several noted persons in academia and medical sectors have called for restoration of the services so that doctors, students and the general public do not face the hassles in accessing information.
To mention, internet services along with mobile and fixed land line telephony, were suspended in Kashmir on August 4 last year, a day before government of India abrogated Article 370 and divided and downgraded the state into two union territories.
