Team Herald
PANJIM: The All Goa Internet Service Providers Association (AGISPA) has expressed its willingness to comply with the Electricity Department’s regulations regarding overhead cable installation. However, the association has requested that the power department should halt the ongoing cutting of wires until the court rules on the pending case concerning wire installations.
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Representatives of the newly formed AGISPA pointed out that the real losers in the wire-cutting issue are the end users. “There are students, elderly people, and offices for whom internet access is essential. How does cutting wires serve their interests? The real victims in this situation are not the internet service providers, but the end users,” said Mahendra Tiwari.
“We understand that Goa should not appear untidy due to exposed wires. However, since the issue involves multiple departments—namely the Electricity Department, the Department of Information Technology, and internet service providers—a solution must come from the government,” he added.
Sagar Govekar, Vice President of AGISPA, emphasised that the government must support internet service providers (ISPs) by facilitating proper provisions for cable installations, with the possibility of charging for this service if necessary. “We pay GST and an 8% AGR royalty to the Union government. We provide services to many people, generate revenue for the government, and yet our cables are being cut,” he said.
The ISPs have questioned why the cables are still being cut despite the deadline of January 31st approaching. They have urged the government to collaborate and establish clear guidelines and rates for cable installations.
Meanwhile, the Electricity Department has continued its cable-cutting operations in the Panjim and Margao areas, removing several cables from electricity poles. The Cable TV Networking and Service Providers Association of Goa (CNSPAG) has filed an appeal with the High Court of Bombay at Goa, seeking a directive to halt the Electricity Department’s actions. Despite this, the department’s operations have proceeded unabated.
