Full speed broadband internet services restored in Jammu Kashmir, access to social media already allowed
| 05-Mar-2020 |
Broadband internet services return to Jammu Kashmir today as the Government decides to give full speed unrestricted internet access to the people of Union Territory. Earlier today, the Government also decided to lift the ban on social media sites after a period of seven months exactly. Following the abrogation of Article 370 in August last year the internet services were disrupted in the Union Territory. With the fresh order, a circular has been issued in this regard to the people informing them that they will now be allowed unrestricted internet access with 2G speed.
The order was issued after assessment of the impact of telecom services regulation on the overall security situation and maintenance of public order and reports of law enforcement agencies. Earlier, access to white-listed sites was only allowed as 2G service was restored for a week on January 25 and subsequently extended from time to time, after being snapped on August 5 last year when the centre abrogated the Article 370 and 37(A) from the erstwhile state of J&K and bifurcated it into two Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh. Now after seven months,ban on social media through mobile internet has been removed till March 17th. However, the order said the internet speed on mobile data service will be restricted to 2G only and the post-paid SIM card holders would continue to get access to the internet.
The services would not be available on Pre-paid SIM cards unless verified
As the period of extension of services was set to expire on Wednesday, the Home Department ordered that 2G mobile data service and fixed line internet connectivity with certain restrictions will now continue till March 17, unless modified earlier. The order also said that the services would not be made available on pre-paid SIM cards unless verified as per the norms applicable for post-paid connections.
About fixed line internet connectivity, the Government order said the Internet connectivity would continue to be made available with Mac Binding. Mac Binding essentially means to enforce a client machine to work from a particular Internet Protocol address.
The access/communication facilities provided by the Government viz e-terminals/internet kiosks apart from special arrangements for tourists, students, traders etc shall continue, according to the Government order. It also asked the Inspector Generals of Police, Kashmir and Jammu divisions, to ensure communication of these directions to service providers forthwith and ensure implementation of the directions with immediate effect.
The restrictions on mobile and internet services were partially eased earlier, access to full broadband internet services & social media congratulatory
While continuing the ban on social media, authorities had last month said that anti-national elements and people across the border continue to misuse these networking sites allowing peer-to-peer communication and virtual private networks. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) were asked to ensure access to 1,674 white-listed sites only and not to any social media applications.
The restrictions on mobile and internet services were partially lifted when in January the Government eased it, now when the ban on social media is too lifted, it’s a matter of rejoice for the people in Jammu and Kashmir. However, this restoration ease should now be seen as a welcoming move and the access to services shouldn't be misused, as any suspicious activity will be under constant strict surveillance.