J&K: Govt Restores 4G Internet In Ganderbal In Kashmir Valley And Udhampur In Jammu Region On A Trial Basis

After a period of one year, 4G internet connectivity once again went live in two districts of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) yesterday (16 August) as the Government decided to restore the services on a pilot basis, reports Indian Express.

For now, the 4G internet services have been restored in Ganderbal district in the Kashmir Valley, and in Udhampur district in Jammu region on a trial basis, while in all other districts the services have been kept restricted to 2G connectivity for the time being owing to security concerns.

Issuing orders for the same, Union Territory (UT) of J&K's Principal Secretary (Home) Shaleen Kabra added, "While postpaid SIM card holders shall be provided access to the Internet, these services shall not be made available on prepaid SIM cards unless verified as per norms applicable for post-paid connections."

Earlier, a Supreme Court panel had recommended that the districts to restore 4G connectivity on a trial basis should be chosen, keeping in mind that they must not be in areas adjoining the International border or the Line of Control. Another factor which must been taken into account is the low intensity of terrorist activities and minimal spill-over effects in the districts.

Ganderbal is considered one of the more peaceful districts in the Valley, while Udhampur was selected as it has no proximity to the border.