Internet users in Hyderabad suffer as power utility disables broadband cables: COAI reports
Hyderabad, Telangana, is currently grappling with a network outage affecting home broadband users, as well as significant disruptions to fiber-to-home internet services. The root cause of the issue is the indiscriminate cutting of optical fiber cables by the Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL), aimed at removing dangerously hanging cables from electricity poles to prevent electrocution incidents.
The conflict between maintaining internet connectivity and ensuring electricity safety has become a pressing concern for the city. The COAI (Cellular Operators Association of India) has condemned the TGSPDCL's actions, emphasizing that optical fiber cables do not carry electricity and cutting them causes severe disruption to essential internet services. Despite court orders restricting such cutting, violations have continued.
On August 18, 2025, during religious celebrations for Janmashtami in Hyderabad, seven people lost their lives due to electrocution. The COAI's Director General, S.P. Kochhar, stated that this disruption was caused by the electricity department's aggressive cutting of optical fiber cables.
In response to the incidents, the Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who also holds the Energy portfolio, has directed officials to launch a special drive to remove dangling cables from electricity poles. TGSPDCL Chairman and Managing Director Musharraf Faruqui has instructed utility staff to clear electric poles of dangling cables, following the Deputy Chief Minister's directive.
Authorities are taking a strict stance on illegal electricity connections and accelerating underground electricity cable works in Hyderabad to reduce overhead cable hazards. The Deputy Chief Minister has also instructed the removal of all dangling wires from electricity poles on a "war footing," indicating a focus on public safety to prevent electrocutions.
However, as of the latest reports (end of August 2025), no definitive resolution or restoration timeline for fiber-to-home internet has been provided. The COAI, along with internet service providers (ISPs), are actively working to restore services amid these challenges. They are appealing for adherence to court orders and better coordination by TGSPDCL to protect telecom infrastructure without compromising safety.
In summary, the city of Hyderabad is experiencing a network outage affecting home broadband users due to the indiscriminate cutting of optical fiber cables by the TGSPDCL. The COAI's efforts to restore services in Hyderabad are ongoing. The association has emphasized the importance of not cutting optical cables due to their role in providing internet connectivity, an essential service. The statement from the COAI was made on Tuesday, August 18, 2025, the same day the electrocution incidents occurred during religious processions in Hyderabad.
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