We have become accustomed to waking up and finding our internet connection dysfunctional. There are numerous technical factors at play, but recently, the issue seems to stem from a lack of coordination between the IT, Electricity departments and Internet Service Providers (ISP). One might even describe it as a display of one-upmanship. Consequently, it is the general populace and commercial sector that are adversely affected, though no fault of their own. In today's world, an internet connection is akin to salt – its presence may go unnoticed, but its absence is immediately felt. The internet connection has rightfully earned the status of an indispensable service. The Modi Government is advocating for a cashless economy, and without a reliable internet connection, this objective cannot be realized. Therefore, it is imperative for the government to take decisive action and prioritize resolving this issue. It is important to separate cable TV operations from internet service providers, as the latter is declared an essential service.
The most recent incident involved the severing of all cables by the electricity department, again. Earlier, in July 2024, the cables were inadvertently cut while the electricity department officials were trimming trees around the electric infrastructure. This issue sparked a significant outcry, leading the ISP’s to be instructed to adhere to the Goa Telecom Infrastructure (GTI) Policy of 2020 by September 2024.
The GTI policy, among other facets, mandated that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Local Cable Operators (LCO) register and remit an annual fee of Rs 3 per meter of fiber installed on electricity poles. The primary aim was to streamline operations; however, due to the financial burden imposed, many operators opted not to register or conceal their networks. With no subsequent evaluations conducted, this led to the current chaotic situation of cables entangled on electrical poles. Consequently, there are numerous inactive cables either due to operators ceasing operations or consumers transitioning to alternative networks. The absence of a cable identification system linked to the operators results in a lack of incentive to remove these inactive cables, as it entails additional costs, which the policy does not account for.
Recently, the electricity department went into overdrive and commenced severing various cables without prior notice or thoughtful consideration. It seemed to revolve around the unilateral decision of a department official, as the Chief Electrical Engineer explicitly stated that cable severing was not a Statewide mandate. This action of cutting cables not only led to financial losses for the operators but also disrupted an essential service - the internet.
The department's rationale for severing the cables appeared justified initially. Firstly, certain service providers had neglected payment to the department for over three years. Secondly, the haphazard installation of cables on the poles posed safety risks to electricity department personnel, potentially causing pole collapse. Unbeknownst to many in the department, the responsibility of fee collection had been outsourced to Vincent Graphics, as a revenue sharing model. This agency was tasked with collecting rent for the pole usage by operators. Therefore, if an operator failed to remit the rent, their cables could be subject to action. However, the indiscriminate cutting of all cables was deemed unacceptable as it disrupted an essential service and included those who had paid. The department should show
similar zeal when it comes to
illegal connections.
The Goa Cable TV Networking and Service Providers Association petitioned the High Court for intervention. In response, the High Court directed the members to submit individual applications in accordance with "The Telecommunications (Right of Way) Rules 2024," which were enforced nationwide starting January 1, 2025. These regulations were officially published in the Gazette of India in September 2024 and are an integral part of the Telecommunication Act of 2023. Consequently, they override the Goa Government's GTI Policy and render the revenue sharing agreement with Vincent Graphics ineffective. The “right of way” rules clearly delineate permissible charges, set at a modest rate of just Rs 100 per pole per year. Significantly, the High Court questioned the Department regarding the prolonged delay in dismantling the existing above-ground cable network, which remains unregistered. The department faces a daunting task of ensuring judicious compliance due to the lack of cable identification. Moving forward, it will be imperative to mandate service providers to label their cables, and those that are unused must be removed under penalty of fines.
Yours truly was in China recently and despite having a robust internet network, it is very clear that they are doing it without the ugly mess of overhead cables we see out here. It would be nice if our policymakers studied the Chinese model so that our cities and villages do not become eyesores with cables hanging haphazardly from every pole with joints encased inside a makeshift plastic water bottle used as a protection against rain. The Information Technology Department, Electricity Department, and Service providers must collaborate effectively to prevent Goa from being marred by unsightly cables haphazardly strewn about. It may be imperative to engage the Public Works Department in the endeavour to bury cables underground and incorporate ducts into new road constructions. It is disconcerting that despite the development of a smart city in Panaji, there is a glaring absence of provisions for cable ducts.
A major network remained unaffected by the cable-cutting incident due to their strategic placement of cables underground. Their towers, although sometimes erroneously positioned such as the one adjacent to the South Goa district hospital, are strategically erected in key locations. Is there any regulatory body overseeing the placement of these towers? The government could potentially solicit bids for an agency to replicate infrastructure similar to theirs, allowing for rental on a revenue-sharing basis to other ISPs lacking the capacity for such development. The concern arises that if another financially robust provider initiates operations in Goa and undertakes underground cabling, the lack of cable markers embedded in the roads could lead to inadvertent cutting of cables already embedded, leaving the Public Works Department, responsible for granting permission, in a state of perplexity. Hence, this too needs to be addressed now, rather than later.
On one hand, there is an operator who has positioned their cables at their discretion, while on the other hand, cable operators are facing penalties for the same actions. It is imperative for the Government to establish a level playing field to ensure uninterrupted service for the consumers and an environment that allows the business to grow and flourish in an organised manner. A task force comprising representatives from the Electricity Department, the IT Department, PWD, and relevant industry organizations should convene for a collaborative session to ensure seamless and coordinated operations moving forward.
(The author prefers to write rather than chat in a balcao)