Hyderabadis fume as TGSPDCL removes internet cables sans notice

Thousands of Hyderabad residents faced internet and cable TV disruption after TGSPDCL removed dangling and low-hanging wires for safety following a fatal electrocution during a Janmashtami procession. IT professionals and students expressed frustration over the sudden loss of connectivity

Hyderabad: Thousands of Hyderabadis were left without internet services on Tuesday after the Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) removed cables that were “lying hanging” or “dangling” from electricity poles across the city.

The removal of internet cables left residents, particularly those working from home, in shock and uncertainty about when services would be restored.

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The move followed the tragic electrocution incident during the Janmashtami chariot procession in Ramanthapur, in which six people lost their lives when a chariot came into contact with a fallen overhead power line.

Acting on government directions, TGSPDCL began clearing cables on Tuesday morning, disrupting both internet and cable TV services. IT professionals, students, and homemakers were among the most affected. In addition to main roads, wires were cleared from residential colonies.

With many households relying on the internet for television streaming, TV sets remained unusable in the absence of connectivity.

On X (formerly Twitter), several IT employees and other professionals working from home expressed frustration over the lack of prior notice. One user, @SavetheSystem, posted: “I lost my job today because of an internet disconnection. Thanks to the government. I can stop paying taxes and live a happy life provided by the government. #Savethesystem.”

Another user, @AAbdul141, tagged TGSPDCL, accusing the company of intentionally disconnecting internet cables: “Hello @tgspdcl. They are disconnecting internet cables deliberately, affecting WFH employees, interrupting CCTV live recordings, total spoil. Please instruct them not to do this.”

TGSPDCL responded on X with a standard statement: “TGSPDCL teams are clearing low-hanging/dangling internet and cable wires from electric poles to ensure safety.”

After the company’s post, several X users tagged their internet service providers seeking clarification. @iamanjiiii asked: “What are your next steps for the internet?”