ISPAN Says These 9 Cities Could See Internet Cuts Soon

ISPAN has warned that areas in 9 cities across Nepal could see internet cuts due to the conflict with NEA. Releasing a notice, the association said some areas in those cities could suffer service disruption at any time over the lack of power supply.

ISPs in Nepal have been in conflict with NEA for months over utility pole rental charges. After cutting fiber cables in recent months, the electricity authority began cutting off the power supply a few days back making vital telco equipment useless.

Now, ISPAN says, a total of nine cities could soon see internet outages. It blames NEA for the possible service disruption if it does take place.

Also read: Fiber Internet Users in Nepal Crosses 1.8 Million Mark

Areas that could suffer internet cuts anytime

By releasing the list of areas, ISPAN said internet service could halt at any time. As per the notice, areas in Ilam, Biratnagar, Khotang, Gaighat, Inaruwa, Dharan, Dhubahi, Lahan, and Doti could be on their way to losing internet connection due to power outage.

“NEA, instead of implementing the suggestions by the high-level committee in the pole rental dispute, has taken an opposite direction,” ISPAN’s notice reads. Calling NEA’s act illegal, it explains, “NEA has continuously cut off the power supply of the houses where its internet points – data center, POP and telco gears are set up.”

As a measure, ISPs have used backup systems for the power supply but they won’t hold for so long. So far, NEA informs that only due to the backup system internet is still working in those areas.

ISPAN also states that ISPs are ready to pay the utility pole charges. But it demands that the charges must adhere to the recommendation by the high-level committee.

ISPAN’s notice

The issue between ISPAN and NEA has dragged on for months with neither side ready to reason. NEA backed off from its action a few months ago after wide condemnation. However, in the absence of dialogue and consensus on pole charges, the conflict has surfaced again which would only hurt the end consumers of the internet.

Who should the blame be n if the cities do face internet cuts as ISPAN says? Do you think the MoCIT needs to step in again or do both the parties need to reason together? You can share your opinion in the comments below.