India Loses Nearly 130 Cr Due to Internet Shutdowns in 2019: Report

New Delhi, January 10, 2020

Latest reports suggest that internet shutdowns in India have led to a loss of nearly 130 crore of rupees in year 2019.

According to a study by UK-based tech research firm, Top10Vpn, a total of around 4196 hours of internet shutdowns in India have cost the country’s economy close to $1.3 billion, which is close to Rs. 130 crore in 2019.

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Earlier, it was reported that mobile operators of India had lost a revenue of around Rs. 2.45 crore every hour the government had ordered the suspension of internet services to control the countrywide protests against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).

It may be mentioned here that India is among the worst-hit economy and the internet shutdowns directed by the government across several states. Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh are among the states that faced internet shutdowns in 2019. Jammu & Kashmir faced internet shutdown for the longest period following abrogation of Article 370.

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The other states had to face internet blackouts after the Centre passed the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Act in the Rajya Sabha. Massive protests surfaced countrywide, demanding repealing of the CAA.

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