On Wednesday, a pair of undersea fiber optic cables running internet service for some parts of the Middle East got snapped near Egyptian port of Alexandria. According to Verizon, the reason for the damage is unknown. Some speculate that ships were seen dragging anchor and that might be the reason for the lines to get snapped.
In India, Internet bandwidth has been down to 50% - 60% since Wednesday. Ships have been rushed to repair the damage, but it could take weeks for services to return to normal. Internet users have been advised to drop their bandwidth usage.
Via: FT
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wrote, on February 2nd, 2008
You can look at the detailed images of undersea cables as well as where the cut took place here.
wrote, on February 2nd, 2008
Drop my bandwidth usage? Hah! Ask them to reduce my broadband bill then.
Airtel had some problems in the afternoon but it seems to be fine now. How odd.
wrote, on February 2nd, 2008
Thats rough, really. That would be hard to stand. I have terrible Internet service myself sometimes, it being not even my own Internet connection, but that will leave a dent in that area of the world. One question: how does something in Egypt effect India?
wrote, on February 2nd, 2008
Yeah, this problem is affecting parts of Pakistan’s ISP as well. Thankfully, not mine though.
But my friend in Karachi is experiencing very slow speeds. Downloads at about 2-3kB.
wrote, on February 2nd, 2008
OMG !! Usually I get about 256Kbps now it is around 100Kbps
damn slow and most of the sites are not loading. Something like I’m isolated in an island.
wrote, on February 2nd, 2008
Oh, That is why for last two I am getting quite slow internet speed with my broadband connection.
wrote, on February 2nd, 2008
News came lately into techbuzz…
wrote, on February 2nd, 2008
We’re affected too here in Pakistan.
wrote, on February 2nd, 2008
OMG ! Something like this happen sri lanka about a year a go. Dam all SLT links were down . You know what was the reason? A ship has hit the cables. he he.. I Wonder that ship is BLIND.. Anyhow we suffered for it..
wrote, on February 2nd, 2008
i am finding disruptions now and then…yes why shall not they cut the bills…
wrote, on February 2nd, 2008
They should compensate for this. Not tell people to chill with downloading.
wrote, on February 3rd, 2008
ha ha they expect us to be internet noobs, accepting whatever reason they give for internet downtime, and agreeing with them
wrote, on February 4th, 2008
have you got any news by when will this repair work get finished and the services be restored fully.to normalcy. I mean you have mentioned weeks but any idea how many weeks??