4G Mobile internet services restored in J&K's Ganderbal, Udhampur districts on 'trial basis'

After more than a year, suspended high-speed internet services were restored on a trial in two districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday night. This step was taken by the government last year due to increased tension in valley.

As per the update from the Jammu and Kashmir administration, 4G services will resume in Ganderbal and Udhampur districts taking effect from 9 pm Sunday and will remain in force till September 8, until any further updates. After the update from a special committee that was overseeing the entire situation, the same information was conveyed to the Supreme court that a trail can run of the service can be considered.

"The high-speed mobile data services in the districts of Ganderbal (Kashmir) and Udhampur (Jammu division) shall be restored forthwith, on trial basis, while in rest of the districts, the internet speed shall continue to be restricted to 2G only," an order issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department read
As per the orders the high-speed internet will be provided to post-paid subscribers and for the pre-paid customers services will be provided once they complete their verification process.

With regard to the fixed-line Internet connectivity, it said, "Internet connectivity, without any speed related restrictions, shall continue to be made available with mac-binding.
2G internet facility on mobile phones was restored on January 25. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court had asked the Jammu and Kashmir administration to explore the possibility of restoring 4G services in certain area.

The top court was hearing a plea by an NGO seeking initiation of contempt proceedings against the Union Home Secretary and the Chief Secretary of JK for their alleged "willful disobedience" in complying with the court's May 11 order which had directed for constituting a committee that would go into the possibilities of restoring high-speed Internet in the union territory.