ISPAB protests the sudden removal of last mile overhead internet cables

Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) yesterday arranged a press conference urging the governmentto stop removing the 'Last Mile Overhead (LMO)' cables. Mr. Imdadul Haque, the General Secretary of ISPAB, in his speech, mentioned that these LMOs are the cables connecting the Local Distribution Point (LDP, also known as POP) with the underground fiber optic cables. In order to remove the LMOs, every user needs to pull fiber optic cable to their home/institution; which is almost impossible considering the associated cost.

Mr. Syed Almas Kabir, Vice President of ISPAB, pointed out several suggestions to come out of the current situation. He said: 'We have several options open: we are more than willing to rent the poles of BTCL or DESCO or DPDC. We had a similar arrangement before. We can do it again. Government can lay underground ducts which COAB and ISPAB can jointly use for internet and Satellite cable networks.' He also suggested that if the government allows, ISPAB is willing to erect poles dedicated for broadband internet.

It must be mentioned that the Power Division of the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources issued a notice for removal of all overhead cables within November 10, 2014. But the DESCO and DPDC officials started removing overhead cables before the stated date. Such removal caused severe internet service disruptions in Gulshan 2, Banani, Baridhara and other areas.

(Look out for further follow up)