Sun Jan 19 17:16:31 UTC 2025: ## Chennai Grapples with Tangled Web of Unregulated Optical Fibre Cables

**Chennai, January 20, 2025** – Chennai residents are facing a growing hazard from the haphazard proliferation of unregulated optical fibre cables strung across the city’s streets. The issue, which has been raised in the Greater Chennai Corporation Council, is causing safety concerns and aesthetic problems, with residents reporting injuries, trapped animals, and disruption of communication services during emergencies.

Several councillors have initiated drives to remove excess and dangling cables, working in cooperation with some telecom companies. However, the efforts are hampered by the continued high demand for new connections and the actions of some service providers who have abandoned their cables after leaving the business. Residents complain that internet and cable television providers often attach cables to streetlights to cut costs, leading to a dangerous situation.

The problem extends beyond safety; the tangled cables are visually unappealing and disrupt traffic flow. Residents are calling for a dedicated underground duct system for optical fibre cables, funded by the central government, citing permission granted to companies for overhead installations. They also advocate for a single, aesthetically pleasing common pole system instead of the current haphazard use of streetlights and trees.

Experts highlight the lack of a regulatory framework for these networks. While some telecom companies claim that central government permissions allow overhead cabling, critics point to the safety risks and the need for stricter local regulations. The high cost of underground cabling is also a significant obstacle, with one telecom employee estimating a 300% increase in expenses.

The situation mirrors challenges faced in other cities. For example, Karnataka’s Urban Development Department has already implemented regulations for cable laying. Chennai residents, meanwhile, are demanding stronger action from the Greater Chennai Corporation, urging a unified approach involving telecom providers and a focus on long-term solutions to ensure both safety and efficient communication services.

Read More