Digital Goa, Jan 8- The state’s business community has slammed the Goa government over widespread internet outages following the Electricity Department’s removal of overhead optic fiber cables (OFC) in Margao. Representatives from GCCI, GBA, ASSOCHAM, GIBA, CREDAI and other business bodies met Chief Minister Pramod Sawant late evening on January 8 to raise concerns about the disruption.The crackdown on January 7, aimed to remove “unauthorized” cables from government poles after a safety incident involving a govt official. The Electricity department had noted that ISPs had long used poles without paying rent or securing permissions, creating hazardous clusters of wires. Industry leaders highlighted operational losses for all types of businesses as well as courts, banks, govt offices etc . They stressed that govt should turn to such drastic measures only after providing businesses with other viable alternatives. They informed that CM Pramod Sawant has assured the delegation that he would intervene, promising discussions with the involved govt department and formation of task force.
