AP Fiber Grid is a prestigious project initiated by AP CM Chandrababu Naidu and was launched by president Ramnadh Kovind in Amaravati on December 27. *The fiber net provides triple play services - television (250+ channels), telephone (rental free) and internet (15 Mbps and 100 Mbps).
Well, the initiative taken up by the government appears to be awe-inspiring and is assumed to be people's friendly. But then, opposition parties are alleging that the government has conspired to suppress its anti media through fiber net. Following are the reasons cited by them for suspecting the government's gesture.
* The agencies were allocated to those cable operators, who happen to be the TDP's activists. Moreover, some caste factors have also been involved here. In such case cable operators can easily block the programme of anti media houses.
* Earlier, the government tried to remove existing cable wires forcibly through its workers. However, as cable operators approached the courts, the government had to be taken aback.
* The government promises that they would offer all the three services for just Rs.149. But then, consumers smell a rat with the gossip there would be hidden charges like GST which makes the total amount would zoom up to Rs.250.
* Consumers bought existing set top boxes for Rs.2000 previously. They have to buy newer ones now which are priced around at Rs.4000 which is really not affordable price for the consumers.
WHAT SHOULD CONSUMERS DO KNOW?:
* They may welcome fibernet to their houses. But then, they can make intense protests, when any cable operator blocks any channel without the consent of the people.