Srinagar: There is good news for Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Republic Day as 2G mobile data services will be restored in all the 20 districts of J&K from Saturday.
All post-paid and prepaid mobile subscribers will get 2G internet access. Access shall be limited only to 301 whitelisted sites and social media applications will continue to remain out of bounds for the Valley's residents.
According to a notification by the home department of Jammu and Kashmir administration, the restoration of the 2G internet facility on mobile phones will continue till 31 January after which it would be reviewed further.
The communication facilities provided by the government by way of internet kiosks and e-terminals apart from special arrangement for tourists, students and traders will continue.
The Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) shall continue with the process of verification of credentials of prepaid sim holders as per the norms applicable for post-paid connections, the order said.
On 14 January, the government had announced that low-speed 2G mobile internet services shall be restored in two out 10 districts of the Kashmir Valley -- Bandipur and Kupwara -- and all the 10 districts of Jammu region for 153 whitelisted websites.
The move came after the Supreme Court asked the government to review the internet ban in J&K, calling it a part of Freedon of Speech as mentioned in the Constitution.
This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
