J&K admn extends 2G mobile Net till Feb 24

SRINAGAR/JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has extended the 2G mobile data service and fixed line internet connectivity wherever provided across the Union territory till February 24, an official spokesperson said on Sunday.

The 2G mobile internet was restored on January 25, however, despite the government order broadband services have not been restored in the Valley. In Kashmir, there are around 20,000 broadband connections and only a few which belong to government officials, hotels and hospitals have been restored.

Internet service providers (ISP) have also been given directions to ensure access to 1,485 white-listed sites only and not to any social media applications allowing peer-to-peer communication and virtual private network (VPN) applications, the spokesperson said.

“The directions shall be effective from February 16 and remain in force till February 24, unless modified earlier,” he said quoting an order issued by the home department. The 2G internet facility on mobile phones was restored in Jammu and Kashmir on January 25 after remaining suspended since August 5 last year.

“Whereas, reports have been received from the intelligence and law enforcement agencies inter-alia bringing out the manner in which social media sites are being accessed through the virtual private network (VPN) applications, for coordinating terror activities as well as to upload provocative material aimed at disturbing the public order. “It has also been reported that attempts have been made to disturb the peace by spreading rumours to incite the general public over the last week which necessitated temporary suspension of the mobile data services for limited period of time by the authorised officers,” read the order issued by principal secretary, home department, Shaleen Kabra.

With regard to mobile data service, he said ISPs would ensure access only to the 1,485 whitelisted sites and not to any social media applications allowing peer-to-peer communication and VPN applications. “Data services shall be available on the postpaid mobiles and on prepaid SIM cards of such holders whose credentials have been verified as per the norms applicable for postpaid connections; and the internet speed shall be restricted to 2G only,” he said in his order.

About fixed line internet connectivity, he said, “Wherever connectivity has been provided with effect from January 14 and onwards, ISPs shall ensure that access is limited to the whitelisted sites and not to any social media applications allowing peer-to-peer communication and VPN applications.

Kabra said the access or communication facilities made available by the government by way of e-terminals or internet kiosks apart from special arrangements for tourists, students and traders would continue.

INTERNET SERVICE

PROVIDERS HAVE ALSO BEEN GIVEN DIRECTIONS TO ENSURE ACCESS TO 1,485 WHITE-LISTED SITES ONLY AND NOT TO ANY SOCIAL MEDIA APPLICATIONS