Hyderabad experienced widespread internet and cable TV outages starting around August 19–20, 2025, after the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) began cutting dangling cables from electricity poles. The move was aimed at improving public safety following recent fatal electrocution incidents.
Why Cables Were Cut
- The action followed two tragic electrocution incidents during religious processions in Ramanthapur and Bandlaguda.
- Under directives from the Deputy Chief Minister, TGSPDCL ordered immediate removal of unsafe or low hanging cables across the city.
Impact on Internet Services
- Massive Disruption: Over 100,000 broadband connections were affected across localities including Ameerpet, Balanagar, Shaikpet, Madhapur, Kokapet, Tellapur, and Neredmet.
- Work and Banking Impacted: Remote workers, businesses, and digital banking services including UPI and POS transactions were disrupted.
- Security Concerns: CCTV and live monitoring systems were also interrupted, raising safety issues.
Industry and Public Response
- The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) and local ISPs condemned the indiscriminate cutting of optical fiber cables, arguing that it caused unnecessary disruption to essential services.
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs) under TISPA protested, highlighting the lack of prior notice and the rising public anger.
- TGSPDCL defended its action, stating repeated warnings had been issued earlier and safety concerns left no option.
Political Reaction
Political leaders criticized the government’s handling of the situation, calling it a poorly managed move that left citizens disconnected while essential services were hampered.
Restoration & Next Steps
- Service providers are working urgently to restore connectivity, but full recovery may take several days due to the scale of damage.
- TGSPDCL has since stated that future action will target only unused or unsafe cables, while operators are urged to properly bundle and mark lines.
- Plans for accelerated underground cabling have been proposed to prevent such disruptions in the future.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Cause | Safety drive after electrocution incidents |
| Authority | TGSPDCL acted under instructions from Deputy CM |
| Scope | Affected hundreds of thousands of users across Hyderabad |
| Disruptions | Internet, cable TV, digital payments, work-from-home, security systems |
| Criticism | COAI and TISPA raised concerns; lack of notice condemned |
| Response | TGSPDCL cited long-standing warnings; KTR criticized government actions |
| Recovery | Efforts underway; full restoration may take a couple of days |
| Future Plans | Safer cable procedures, telecom collaboration, underground cabling |
Conclusion
The cable cuts in Hyderabad highlight the urgent need for better coordination between power utilities and telecom providers. While safety is a priority, indiscriminate cable removal caused major disruption to internet, banking, and business operations. A long term solution such as underground cabling and stricter cable management is essential to balance public safety with uninterrupted digital connectivity.
