Team Herald
PANJIM: The Electricity Department has given a 15-day ultimatum to companies across Goa, demanding they either remove their cables from electricity poles or pay the department in accordance with the IT policy.
The department has announced that the drive to clean all poles will begin on 1st February. This move is expected to affect internet and cable television services in and around the capital city.
Speaking to reporters, Executive Engineer (Electricity) Kashinath Shetye explained, “In 2022, a new policy was introduced requiring internet and cable service providers to obtain a licence, but so far, nobody has complied. They haven't even applied for a licence. The Electricity Department is supposed to receive Rs 300 per pole per year from them. The cables create difficulties for our linemen.”
He further stated that the Electricity Department has incurred losses of around Rs 50 crore, as none of the internet or cable service providers have paid any fees.
Shetye added that the service providers have now been instructed to settle their dues and obtain a licence from the IT Department of the government.