Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Sep 8: The government deciding to keep 4G internet services confined to Ganderbal and Udhampur districts has once again dashed the hopes of netizens who were waiting for the decision to come.
During the past few days speculations were rife that high speed internet services will restart in two more districts in J&K but it has not happened. “We have been living without high speed internet services for more than one year. We were hoping that the 4G internet services that were resumed on trial basis in two J&K districts on August 16 after Supreme Court’s intervention will start in a few more districts,” a netizen told Precious Kashmir.
He said, “The slow speed of the internet is making us struggle. At times we have to wait and wait for the websites to open.”
A student said, “The online classes which started after the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic have not helped us to that extent despite our teachers working very hard. The slow internet speed played a spoilsport.”
He said, “When students across the world were using the technology to keep themselves updated and remain abreast we were struggling to even get connected.”
A businessman said, “After August 5, 2019 we were without the internet for more than eight months. Many businesses which were dependent on the internet had to wind up their operations. At present we are still struggling and the COVID-19 has proved to be the last nail in the coffin of the business community in Jammu and Kashmir.”
He said, “The government should think about restoring the 4G internet services in a few more districts in J&K on a trial basis. The beginning has already been made by restoring the high speed internet in Ganderbal and Udhampur district this attempt can be carried forward.”
Another netizen said, “One can understand that there are security concerns but by many concerns have been addressed. People are desperately waiting for 4G to return. There are so many things that a person can do on the internet. Working online on 2G internet is next to impossible.”
He said, “We are being repeatedly told that a new dawn in J&K has broken. If it’s so then why are we being deprived of the facility which is available to people across the world.”
An official said, “Administration is closely monitoring the situation. Once the top brass gets the clearance from the security agencies 4G will be back. After August 5, 2019 only one restriction is in place i.e. 4G internet has not been restored rest all the curbs have been lifted.”
