J&K: High speed Internet restored in Ganderbal, Udhampur districts

The J&K administration restored 4G internet services in Ganderbal and Udhampur districts from 9 pm on Sunday, August 16. However, internet speed will continue to be restricted to 2G only in other districts.

After nine months, 4G mobile Internet services were restored in two Jammu and Kashmir districts - Udhampur in the Jammu region and Ganderbal in the Kashmir Valley, on a "trial basis".

Decision to remain in force till September 8

According to the order issued by the Union Territory's Principal Secretary, Home, Shaleen Kabra, stated, "The high-speed mobile data services in the districts of Udhampur and Ganderbal shall be restored forthwith, on a trial basis, while in the rest of the districts, Internet speed shall continue to be restricted to 2G only."

The order also said on fixed landline connections, Internet connectivity, without any restrictions, shall continue to be made available with Mac-binding. The decision would remain in force till September 8, unless modified earlier, it said.

The order came after the Supreme Court directed the Central government to explore the possibility of restoring 4G connectivity at least in some parts of J&K without comprising on the security of the country.

Internet and voice services were snapped on August 5, 2019, when the Central government moved to abolish Article 370 that gave special rights to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Since then broadband and 2G services have been restored in phases.