Internet services disrupted in Orkney and Shetland

A subsea cable between Orkney and Banff has caused widespread service disruptions.

Internet services disrupted in Orkney and Shetland due to cable damage

Thousands of residents in Orkney and Shetland are facing internet and phone service disruptions caused by damage to the Shefa-2 subsea cable. This incident, which occurred around 03:00, has severely affected communication, particularly as the switchboard at Balfour Hospital in Kirkwall is down, prompting patients to use a mobile number instead. The cable connects Orkney, Shetland, and the Faroe Islands to mainland Scotland and has experienced issues previously, with the last damage occurring three years ago, reportedly from a fishing vessel.

The latest disruption highlights the vulnerability of crucial infrastructure that many take for granted. With communication lines down, local hospitals and emergency services face additional challenges during a critical time. This incident reflects a broader issue regarding the reliance on subsea cables, which, while integral for connectivity in remote areas, remain susceptible to accidental damage. As digital dependence increases, the urgency for better protection and redundancy planning has never been clearer.

Highlights

Improved measures are essential to protect such vital infrastructure.