DSCC halts cable removal drive

The Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has suspended its drive to cut overhead cables till November 30 and asked ISPs to use underground connectivity to provide internet services.

The decision was taken at a meeting held among the DSCC mayor and leaders of Internet Service Providers of Bangladesh (ISPAB) and Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh (COAB) on Sunday.

After having a thorough discussion with internet service providers, the DSCC decided to delay its move to remove overhead cables till November 30, 2020, DSCC spokesperson Abu Naser told Dhaka Tribune.

As per the decision, ISPs will prepare themselves to use underground connectivity for internet services, while removing their overhead cables at the same time, he added. 

DSCC Mayor Fazle Noor Taposh while addressing a press briefing said that the misunderstanding and disagreement over the matter was solved by this meeting.

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“Everyone agreed [to each other’s demands]. ISPAB and COAB will remove overhead cables and will start underground connectivity at DSCC areas from tomorrow [Monday]. Their work will start from Dhanmondi. In this case, DSCC will cooperate in all possible ways.”

“They will cut overhead cables using their own funds, but if they need to excavate roads, footpaths or anything else, DSCC won’t ask for compensation for the damage caused, at this time. All kinds of rebates would be arranged for the greater interest to make Dhaka more beautiful. But we requested them to complete this task by November,” he added.

He hoped that Dhaka South would be free from overhead cables by November.

On Saturday evening, internet providers decided to postpone the 3-hr internet shutdown after a zoom meeting between COAB and ISPAB with the two ministers of the Post, Telecommunication, and Information Ministry.

Earlier on October 12, ISPAB and COAB decided to shut down the internet in protest against the removal of overhead wires by the DSCC in the capital.

The two city corporations started cutting overhead cables from August for the beautification of Dhaka city.