Two J&K districts to get 4G on a trial basis after Independence Day

On Tuesday, the Centre’s counsel informed the Supreme Court, which is hearing pleas on the restoration of 4G in J&K, that the threat perception still remains high and the situation is not conducive for its full restoration.

The Special Committee set-up by the Supreme Court for the restoration of 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir has recommended access to high-speed internet on “trial basis in a calibrated manner in specified limited areas to assess the impact on the security situation”. To begin with, the Committee has recommended the restoration of high-speed internet in one district each in Jammu and Kashmir after August 15.

In its second affidavit, filed before the Supreme Court on Tuesday, Deputy Secretary (Legal and Constitution in Ministry of Home Affairs Dharmendra Kumar has said that the special committee suggested that the “overall security situation is still not conducive to lifting the limited restrictions on high-speed internet through mobile devices whilst allowing broadband and 2G across the board”.

“The Special Committee held its third meeting on 10-8-2020. After considering the views expressed by the security agencies and the local agencies in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the pros and cons of multiple options that are available were further considered keeping in mind the security of the nation, the border security, public security etc,” the affidavit reads. “It is submitted that the Committee was of the considered view that the threat perception on the security front in Jammu and Kashmir continues to be high. It was also of the view that internet speed related restrictions are not posing any hindrance to COVID control measures, access to education programmes or carrying out business activities”.