Explained: How ISPs’ conflict with the electricity authority is threatening internet services at your home

Internet service providers ( ISPs ) and Nepal Electricity Authority ( NEA ) are going through a conflict regarding the rent of utility poles for the past few months, and it has directly affected the smooth supply of internet services to consumers.

The authority has seized the wire of ISPs in Kathmandu, Biratnagar, Inaruwa, Kakarbhitta, Gauriganj, Pokhara, Dharan, Khotang, Surkhet, Kailali, Butwal, Tikapur, Attariya, Bhairahawa, Doti, Lalitpur, Dhankuta, and Duhabi, for not paying the pole rents. The authority has even snapped the wires of ISP data centres and operational points.