The standoff between the telecom and the internet service providers (ISP), and the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is likely to see some resolution.

Representatives of various service providers are likely to meet BBMP Commissioner N. Manjunath Prasad on Tuesday to discuss and resolve the issues amicably.

The standoff pertains to the BBMP’s drive to remove overhanging optic fibre cables (OFCs) in many parts of the city.

This, the BBMP maintains, is receiving complaints from citizens across Bengaluru. Overhanging OFCs from electricity poles and trees have already been removed in many parts of the city, including Sarjapur, Whitefield, Marathahalli, and Bellandur.

Objection to drive

However, the Cellular Operators’ Association of India (COAI) has objected to the civic body’s drive and claimed that the BBMP’s “indiscriminate cutting of cables” could cripple many essential services.

The body has also written to the Union Department of Telecommunications, Karnataka government’s Chief Secretary, and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Whitefield, stating that the move could affect digital services, categorised as critical infrastructure, in the city.