ISPs demand access to underground cable duct laid by NEA

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have demanded access to the underground cable duct system as they start cable management work in the capital. Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has laid the ducts for underground wire installation.

At a press conference, ISPAN Chairperson Sudhir Parajuli said that the body has requested NEA for facilitating easier access to the underground infrastructure. NEA has been laying a cable duct system as part of its project to run cables underground.

He said that wire management requires a durable and permanent solution to pull cluttered cables.

The ISPs have started removing messy fiber internet cables off the poles on a priority basis. Earlier, NEA issued an ultimatum of 45 days to ISPs to remove unnecessary cables and set criteria for service providers. Releasing a notice, it called for an effort by ISPs to remove the unnecessary cables and equipment from the utility poles that are an adversary to the beauty of the city and could cause fire hazards.

Check out: NTA Approves Infrastructure Sharing & Its Pricing Bylaw

Cable Management begins

Likewise, ISPs have started cable management work from Singha Durbar. Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA), Kathmandu Metropolitan, and Traffic Police have also lent cooperation during the process. The entire work is planned in phases and at the moment, it is progressing from Putalisadak to Ramshah Path.

Removing the cables also caused a short internet outage in the areas.

The cable management work has begun after a long rift between ISPAN and NEA.

Do you think NEA should facilitate easier access for ISPs to use the cable duct system for their cable management work? You can drop your opinion in the comments below.