4G Internet Restored in Jammu and Kashmir After 18 Months

Restoration of 4G Internet Services in Jammu and Kashmir

India is reinstating 4G internet connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, as confirmed by a high-ranking government representative on Friday evening.

This restoration occurs after a period of 18 months, during which a comprehensive communications blackout was enforced across the Muslim-majority region.

Initial Restrictions and Rationale

The initial imposition of the blackout followed New Delhi’s decision in August 2019 to revoke Kashmir’s semiautonomous status.

The aim was to mitigate potential unrest and limit the dissemination of reactions to this significant political change.

Partial Lifting and Court Ruling

Previously, India had partially eased the restrictions, reinstating internet access in two out of the region’s 20 districts last year.

However, access remained limited to 2G speeds.

This limited restoration followed a Supreme Court ruling that deemed an indefinite internet shutdown unwarranted and indicative of an “abuse of power” by the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Whitelisted Services and Ongoing Limitations

The initial lifting of restrictions applied to 301 “whitelisted” services.

These included streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon, as well as select news organizations such as The New York Times.

Many Indian news sources and all social media platforms remained inaccessible, and the slow 2G speeds hindered basic communication for many residents.

Length of the Ban

The internet ban in Jammu and Kashmir, affecting a population exceeding 13 million, represents the longest such restriction implemented by any democratic nation.

Recent Developments

In August, New Delhi informed the Supreme Court of plans to initiate a “trial basis” rollout of high-speed internet in one district each of Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.

Broadband services were also resumed in the region towards the end of last year.

Analysts estimate the ban has resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs and millions of dollars for the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.

Reactions to the Restoration

Raman Jit Singh Chima, a senior international counsel with Access Now, welcomed the move but emphasized the excessive nature and repetition of the prior shutdown.

He stated the restoration is a positive step, acknowledging the violation of residents’ rights under the Indian Constitution.

Omar Abdullah, a former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, expressed his satisfaction, noting that this marks the first time since August 2019 that 4G mobile data will be available throughout the region.

He added that while delayed, the restoration is a welcome development.