The suspension of mobile phones and 2G internet service by the authorities across Kashmir on Wednesday has left people fuming for whom it was the only mode of communication and information amid the lockdown owing to Covid19. Several internet and telecom subscribers told the Greater Kashmir that suspension of both calling and data services on mobile phones is a “major handicap” during the outbreak of Covid19.
While services of all mobile networks, exceptgovernment-owned BSNL were suspended on Wednesday after two encounters brokeout in south Kashmir, only limited service of BSNL Broadband was operational.
Students using the 2G services for online classes said thecommunication blockade had hit them badly. “Without internet I have lost touchwith my classmates and teachers. What is the purpose of promoting onlineeducation and e-learning when we have frequent internet shutdowns,” saidShahid, a student.
At a time when Information Technology (IT) is being using asa major tool in the fight against Covid-19, suspension of mobile and 2Ginternet is a major set-back.
“I had downloaded the contact tracing mobile app AarogyaSetu which was of great help. But now sudden suspension of 2G internet hasrendered this app dysfunctional,” said Majid Ahmad. The Aarogya Setu app whichhas been introduced by the Government of India has witnessed more than 7 lakhdownloads in Jammu and Kashmir with almost 2 lakh users in the Valley.
The suspension of mobile internet is also a major hurdle foraccess of Covid-19 related data and maps. An Information Technologyprofessional said the Geographic Information System (GIS) based maps availableon various government websites are of no use amid 2G internet shutdown. “Peopleused to follow these maps regularly to know about Covid-19 hotspots and RedZones. What is the use of investing in technology so much when we have suchfrequent internet shutdowns,” the IT professional said.
Another major drawback of the 2G internet shutdown is theimmediate impact on door-to-door health audit being conducted by the governmentacross Jammu and Kashmir. Officials said the ground level workers conductingthe survey using a mobile app “Swasthya Nidhi” to collect data will be unableto do so in absence of internet service.
“The health audit has been going smoothly so far and almost4-5 lakh households have been covered. A population of 25-30 lakh persons havebeen screened under the survey but success of this survey is based onuninterrupted internet service,” said an official in-charge of the survey.
Besides, internet is also vital in the fight againstCovid-19 as government-run mobile apps for contact tracing such as “Talaash”are defunct without internet. In presence of internet service, more than 300persons in Srinagar had self-reported their travel history with the help ofthis app so far.
The mobile communication gag is also a bad news for thosewho are in distress and trying to reach out for help. “We were happy thatdistrict administration in Srinagar had launched a 20 operator call centre butwhat is the fun of such helplines when mobile service is blocked,” saidMuhammad Ashraf. Officials say the call centre used to receive 1500-2000 callsevery day from people in need or enquiring about health services and otherCovid-19 related aspects. Similarly helplines set up by Srinagar Police, healthdepartment etc. have also been receiving a good response from people.
The suspension of mobile and 2G services will also impactlocal e-commerce start-ups who amid the lockdown had started home delivery ofessentials including fruits and groceries. Entrepreneur Shah Ubair who runs astart-up “efruit mandi” says the communication gag is a dampener for theirbusiness of home delivery of apples. “We had catered to the needs of a lot ofcustomers but with this communication gag our work has stopped. There areseveral orders which need to be processed but without mobile communication andinternet we are unable to do that,” said Ubair.