Srinagar, Jan 18 KNS: Government on Saturday directed for restoration of prepaid mobile connections in Jammu and Kashmir and 2G internet services in two districts of the valley after being disconnected in August last year some hours before the abrogation of Article 370.
An order issued by the Principal Secretary Home Shaleen Kabra to the Government reads: “Voice and SMS facility only shall be restored on all local pre-paid SIM cards across the UT of J&K. Further, in order to consider provision of mobile internet connectivity on such SIM cards, the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) shall initiate the process for verification of credentials of these subscribers as per the norms applicable for post-paid connections. “
The order directs the Internet Service Providers to provide fixed line internet connectivity, with precautions as already directed, to those companies that are engaged in Software (IT/ITES) Services.
Internet service providers have been asked to provide fixed line Internet connectivity in all the 10 districts of Jammu region and two districts, Kupwara and Bandipora, in North Kashmir.
Notably, the Supreme Court came down heavily on the UT administration last week for arbitrarily shutting down the Internet, the facility described as the fundamental right by the apex court. (KNS)