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.”

https://twitter.com/northernPolice/status/1582951283907956736

More to follow …