Staff Reporter
Panaji
Information Technology (IT) companies in the state on Friday urged the government to stop cutting cables of internet service providers, which are secured to electricity poles.
They said the unilateral action of the Electricity Department has severely disrupted the operations of registered service providers and caused massive inconvenience to businesses and consumers dependent on seamless internet connectivity.
“Loss of internet even for a few hours means huge financial loss for businesses, along with customer dissatisfaction. While we appreciate the efforts to remove overhead cables, a more practical and agreeable solution must be implemented instead of unilaterally cutting them on a given day,” said Sapna Group director, Nilesh Nayak, a Panaji-based software firm.
Another IT company promoter, Online Productivity Solutions’ co-founder Ricky Noronha said that the ISP cables are essential for communication with the rest of the world. “While their appearance may not be ideal, the government and ISPs must work together to create a structured plan, such as underground ducts, in line with Smart City initiatives. A collaborative effort is needed to address this issue effectively,” he said.
Goa Technology Association’s (GTA) founder president Mangirish Salelkar pointed out that internet is the backbone of the technology industry and the state government needs to prioritise seamless connectivity and stable digital infrastructure for the industry’s growth.
The GTA is supporting internet service providers who were caught unawares when the electricity department from January 17 started cutting cables hanging on electricity poles in Panaji at Patto Plaza, Margao and Mapusa. The drive has been halted now as ISP operators have been given time until December 31 to register with the IT department and also start paying electricity pole usage charges to the department concerned.
GTA pointed out that internet service providers must be given a fair voice in legal proceedings and any policy changes that affect digital infrastructure. “The unilateral cutting of fibre optic cables infringes on the constitutional rights of businesses to operate, disrupts essential services, and negatively impacts consumers. A balanced and structured approach is needed to address this challenge,” said GTA president Sujeet Shetty.
