Community / Shetland partially cut off after major subsea cable fault
SHETLAND’s communication links with the outside world are severely disrupted this morning (Thursday) after a subsea cable connecting the isles to the Scottish mainland was damaged.
Police said phones, internet and computers were not usable, and officers “would continue to patrol the area”.
Mobile networks are also down in places, and cash machines are not working. The Bank of Scotland in Lerwick’s Commercial Street is staying closed for the day.
Telephone landlines within the isles and internet services provided through the Faroese Shefa link continue to function.
A BT spokesperson said a short while ago: “Due to a break in a third-party subsea cable connecting Shetland with the Scottish mainland, some phone, broadband and mobile services are affected.
“Engineers are working to divert services via other routes as soon as possible and we’ll provide further updates. Our external subsea provider is also looking to restore their link quickly.
“Anyone who needs to call 999 should try their landline or their mobile, even if they don’t have signal from their own mobile provider. We’re sorry for any inconvenience.”
Engineers are working to fix a complete outage on Shetland affecting its connection to the main line.
Phones, internet and computers are not usable.
Officers will continue to patrol the area and we will give you an update on the situation as soon as we have more information. pic.twitter.com/0wFYrHnmiE
— Northern Police (@northernPolice) October 20, 2022
More to follow …
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
