Hyderabad internet outage after power dept cable removal

Broadband services disrupted in multiple areas

Hyderabad faced widespread internet disruptions on Tuesday, August 19, after the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) removed cables from power poles in several parts of the city. Areas including Kompally, Shaikpet and Tellapur were affected, leaving thousands of customers of Jio, Airtel, ACT and other providers without connectivity.

The operation was carried out as part of a safety campaign following multiple electrocution incidents reported in the city within 24 hours. However, the move caused abrupt broadband failures, impacting work, communication and surveillance in residential areas. Several residents complained that their connections were cut without warning, affecting work-from-home arrangements and disrupting CCTV monitoring systems.

Officials, telecom industry respond to disruption
Telecom representatives attributed the blackout to the large-scale cutting of optical fiber cables. They said internet infrastructure does not interfere with power lines and warned that such steps severely affect digital connectivity, which has become essential in Hyderabad.

Power department officials stated that notices were issued to cable operators before the drive, but the action still triggered widespread complaints. Thousands of users reported outages to service providers, while many expressed their concerns on social media. Restoration work began later in the day, though customers in several neighbourhoods continued to face connectivity issues into Tuesday night.