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Key Points

Mobile and internet services remain severely disrupted across Jammu and Kashmir due to heavy rainfall damaging critical optical fibre infrastructure. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern, comparing the communication blackout to past crises in 2014 and 2019. Both private operators and state-owned BSNL are experiencing widespread outages, leaving residents without reliable connectivity. The Ministry of Communications has directed telecom providers to activate intra-circle roaming until September 2 to help mitigate the situation.

Key Points: Jammu Kashmir Mobile Internet Disrupted by Rain Damaged Fibre Networks

  • Heavy rainfall damages optical fibre networks across J&K
  • Chief Minister Omar Abdullah compares outage to 2014 and 2019 crises
  • BSNL landline and fibre services also severely affected
  • Ministry of Communications activates intra-circle roaming until September 2
2 min read

Mobile, internet services disruption continues in J&K as rain damages optical fibres

J&K faces major telecom outage as heavy rain damages optical fibres, disrupting mobile internet, broadband, and calls across the Union Territory.

"Haven’t felt this disconnected since the terrible days of 2014 & 2019 - Omar Abdullah"

Jammu, Aug 27

Mobile internet, broadband services, and calling facilities remained disrupted across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday as heavy rainfall continued to batter the Union Territory, damaging optical fibre networks at several locations.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voiced concern over the widespread outage, describing the situation as reminiscent of earlier crises.

"Still struggling with almost nonexistent communication. There is a trickle of data flowing on Jio mobile, but no fixed line WiFi, no browsing, almost no apps, things like X open frustratingly slowly, and WhatsApp struggles with anything more than short text messages. Haven't felt this disconnected since the terrible days of 2014 & 2019," he posted on the social media platform X.

The disruption was not limited to private operators, as fibre and landline services provided by state-owned BSNL also went offline. With mobile phones showing no signal, residents across several districts faced hardships.

In response, the Ministry of Communications on Tuesday directed telecom operators to activate Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) in Jammu and Kashmir to address the breakdown.

The directive, issued in view of the continuing rainfall and multiple landslides, allows subscribers to connect to networks other than their own within the UT until September 2.

"In view of prevailing situations due to heavy rainfall and multiple landslides in Jammu and Kashmir UT and in accordance with the clause 29.6 of unified license & as per provisions of SOP 2020 for responding to disasters, all TSPs are hereby instructed to activate the Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) facility for the Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory with immediate effect till 23:59 hrs of 02nd September, 2025 or till further instructions; whichever is earlier," the ministry said.

The prolonged connectivity outage has added to the hardships faced by the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, already reeling under the impact of torrential rain and landslides.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
My cousin in Srinagar hasn't been able to contact us for 2 days. This is so stressful for families. The ICR facility is a good step but why does it take a crisis to implement such measures? Infrastructure should be more resilient.
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Arjun K
Climate change is hitting hard everywhere. J&K's terrain makes it vulnerable to landslides. Instead of temporary fixes, we need long-term solutions like underground cabling and better maintenance. #DigitalIndia should mean reliable connectivity for all.
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Sarah B
Working from home has become impossible here in Jammu. No internet means no work, no online classes for kids. The economic impact of such outages is huge. Hope the restoration work is prioritized.
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Vikram M
At least the government is taking some action with the intra-circle roaming. But this should have been activated sooner. Communication is essential during natural disasters for safety and coordination.
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Michael C
The comparison to 2014 and 2019 situations by the CM is telling. While natural disasters are unavoidable, the response time and preparedness need improvement. Hope the people of J&K get connectivity back soon.

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