The Cellular Operators' Association of India has expressed concern over the sudden and unwarranted action by BBMP (Bengaluru civic body) to remove the OFC cables which has led to huge outages and inconvenience to the subscribers in densely populated areas.

Rajan S Mathews, DG, COAI, in a statement, said “We would like to highlight that all our members are fully complaint with the rules and regulations of the authorities concerned. Irrespective of that, the cables have been removed and at least 700 mobile towers have been affected in around seven zones in Bengaluru.”

“BBMP has been insisting on payments beyond what was agreed between the parties concerned in the MoU, dated March 28, 2014. The industry has been trying to resolve the issue but BBMP has frequently been involved in cutting the cables and disrupting the service rather than framing rules to regularise them,” he added.

"This is a setback to Prime Minister’s Digital India push and we hope that it doesn’t hamper the progress of the ambitious project. We are afraid that this type of activity will negate the honourable PM’s vision of a digital and connected India,'' he explained.

Mathews said “We believe that, in consumer interest, the government authorities and relevant stakeholders should deliberate with the service providers to come to a solution as soon as possible. TSPs are keen and willing to fully co-operate with the authorities çoncerned and government departments/agencies to regularise the cable laying process. The industry is open to a dialogue and resolution immediately.”

 

Ends

comment COMMENT NOW