Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a bid to maintain uninterrupted access to essential services, the government has ordered a temporary suspension on the cutting, dismantling, or disconnection of cables providing internet and television services.
The directive will remain in place until further notice, with authorities highlighting the need to ensure continued connectivity for the public.
“As per the directives of the Government, it is directed to ensure that cutting/dismantling/ disconnecting of the cables providing internet services/T.V. cable services is kept in abeyance till further orders.” the order by CEE Stephen Fernandes reads
The order has been issued to Division I/III/IV/V/VI/VII/IX/X/XI/XII/XIII/XIV/XV (Civil & Nodal Officer, Land Acquisition Cell)/ XVI/XVII/XVIII Panaji/Ponda/Margao/Bicholim/Curchotem/Tivim/Vasco/Xeldem/Kadamba/ Verna and Mapusa-Goa.
The All Goa Internet Service Providers Association (AGISPA) filed a petition against the Electricity Department, claiming the department acted unfairly by cutting fibre optic cables.
However, the association decided to withdraw the petition after settling the matter, which was communicated to Justices Bharati Dangre and Nivedita Mehta during the final hearing. As a result, the court allowed the withdrawal and dismissed the case.
The association argued that despite following proper procedures, the Electricity Department acted arbitrarily. They pointed out that their application for the Right of Way (RoW), submitted on November 22, 2023, to the Department of Information Technology, was still pending.
The group had requested permission to deploy fibre networks across seven regions of Goa but had not received approval, despite multiple attempts to follow up.
The petition also referenced the National RoW Policy, which takes effect on January 1, 2025, and requires states like Goa to enable the use of electricity poles for fibre optic deployments.
Although the association claimed it was in compliance with this policy, it still faced interruptions, including cable cutting by the Electricity Department before any official decision had been made. Following the resolution of the issue, the association withdrew its petition.
