2G Internet, Broadband Services Restored In Kashmir, But Conditions Apply

Mobile data services and internet access through fixed-line has been restored across Jammu and Kashmir with restrictions from Friday midnight, according to administration of the Union Territory. However, the internet speed shall be restricted to 2G only. According to the government Jammu and Kashmir, the access shall be limited only to whitelisted sites. People will not be able to use any social media applications allowing peer to peer communication and virtual private network applications.

These directions will be effective from 25 January and will remain in force till 31 January.

"It is hereby directed that mobile data services and Internet access through fixedline shall be allowed across the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir with the following restrictions... The aforesaid direction shall come into effect from January 25, 2020, and remain in force till January 31, 2020, unless modified earlier," read the order issued by the home department of the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Friday.

Data services will be available on postpaid as well as prepaid sim cards, the release said.

It has been more than six months since the centre imposed the Internet blackout to prevent public reprisals against the decision to scrap Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 and bifurcate it into two union territories. The decision to relax the restrictions came after the Supreme Court, in response to a petition earlier this month, ordered an immediate review.