ISPAB, COAB to halt internet, cable TV services for three hours from Sunday

Bangladesh’s internet service providers and cable operators will halt their services for three hours every day from Sunday (October 18) in protest against the Dhaka South City Corporation’s (DSCC’s) recent move to remove overhead cables.

An October 17 (Saturday) ultimatum to resolve the matter was issued by the Internet Service Providers Association of Bangladesh (ISPAB) and Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh (COAB) from a press conference in Dhaka on October 12.

Otherwise, the two associations said, they will shut down the internet and cable TV services across the country for three hours – from 10:00am to 1:00pm – every day from October 18.

ISPAB President MA Hakim told The Financial Express on Saturday that his association will stick to the decision to shut down internet services, should the city authorities continue to ignore their demands.

“We’re yet to receive any assurance from or change in decision by the DSCC mayor to this end,” he said this morning.

DSCC Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh is currently staying abroad right now and expected to return home Saturday night.

“If the mayor can give his assurance and meet the demands by tonight or even by 7:00am/8:00am on Sunday morning, only then we will refrain from halting the services,” the ISPAB president added.

“The move to remove the overhead cables without making alternative arrangements or giving prior notice is just unacceptable,” Mr MA Hakim argued.

Echoing the sentiment, SM Anwar Parvez, founder president of the COAB, said the ISPAB and COAB would go ahead with the protest programme until their demands are met.

Many have expressed concern over the issue as they are heavily dependent on internet services for carrying out internet banking, export-import activities, ride-sharing services, flight booking, internet-based commercial activities, outsourced jobs, online news media, online classes, exams, virtual meetings, and online shopping.

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