Kashmiris await restoration of high-speed internet

Srinagar: As the Jammu & Kashmir administration lifted the ban on social media and restored 2G mobile and broadband internet connectivity, people in the valley are now looking forward to the restoration of high-speed internet as well.

The impact of the government order is already visible on the ground.

There was a considerable decrease in the number of journalists at the state media centre on Thursday after the social media ban was lifted along with curbs on accessing websites.

“It is really a good move that curbs have been lifted on the social media, we welcome it,” said Aaqib, a journalist. “It would be in the finest of things if high speed internet is restored as well.”

The business community in Kashmir has also demanded the restoration of high speed internet for the revival of businesses.

“We are hopeful that the government restores high speed internet soon so that we are able to complete all our pending work,” said a Srinagar-based businessman.

A day after J&K administration lifted the ban on social media, broadband internet services were restored in Kashmir on Thursday after seven months.

A government order on Wednesday had no mention of whitelisting of websites. The order is applicable till March 17.

Wednesday’s order however said the J&K administration has extended the ban on high speed internet across the Union Territory till March 17. The order said the move is being taken in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of the country, security of the state and for maintaining public order.

“About mobile data services, the internet speed shall be restricted to 2G only. While the post-paid SIM card holders shall continue to be provided access to the internet, these services shall not be made available on pre-paid SIM cards unless verified as per the norms applicable for post-paid connections,” the order said.

It said internet connectivity shall continue to be made available with Mac-binding.

Internet was suspended across J&K ahead of the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5 last year. It was then restored in a phased manner.

The restoration of broadband and lifting of restrictions has brought much cheer to people across Kashmir.

IANS