Broadband, 2G internet restored across J&K; 301 websites allowed

JAMMU: After remaining shut for almost six months, the broadband internet services as well as the 2G mobile internet services on postpaid as well as on verified prepaid phones have been restored across all the 20 districts in Jammu and Kashmir effective Saturday.

However, the broadband and data services can only be used to access whitelisted websites approved by the Jammu and Kashmir administration, which have been enhanced from 153 previously to 301, an official order issued late Friday night by the Home Department.

The administration underlined that social media access will not be allowed until at least January 31, when the fresh order will become invalid.

This is the biggest breakthrough in internet connectivity in the region since August 5 last year when the government imposed restrictions on mobile internet in J&K after the abrogation of Article 370.

The internet restrictions are being relaxed by the government in stages.

Broadband services to essential operations in Kashmir were restored on January 15, along with 2G mobile services on postpaid mobiles in 5 districts of Jammu region.

On January 18, the government had announced that low-speed 2G mobile internet services shall be restored in two out of 10 districts of the Kashmir Valley -- Bandipora and Kupwara -- and all the 10 districts of Jammu region for 153 whitelisted websites.

Following today’s order, internet access will be extended throughout the Valley.

Data services will be available on post-paid and prepaid mobile connections where the credentials have been identified.

The communication facilities provided by the government by way of internet kiosks and e-terminals apart from special arrangement for tourists, students and traders will continue.

The directions will be effective from Saturday and will be in force till January 31 unless modified earlier, said an order issued by Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary, J&K government.

The Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) shall continue with the process of verification of credentials of prepaid sim holders as per the norms applicable for post-paid connections, the order said.

The move came after the Supreme Court asked the government to review the internet ban in J&K, calling it a part of Freedon of Speech as mentioned in the Constitution.

The latest development comes after the Supreme Court, in a significant ruling on January 10, asked the Jammu and Kashmir administration to review within a week all orders imposing curbs in the Union Territory.

The Supreme Court came down heavily on the UT administration for arbitrarily shutting down the internet, the facility described as a fundamental right by the apex court.

Internet services, landline and mobile phones were snapped across Jammu and Kashmir on the eve of the Centre's announcement to scrap special status of the erstwhile state and its bifurcation into Union Territories on August 5.

While most of the services except mobile internet were restored in Jammu within a week, Kashmir witnessed restoration of landlines and postpaid mobile services and internet facilities for essential services like hospitals in phases.