Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Subsea Cable Damage Cuts Internet for 10,000 Islanders

7/27/2025

44 10

Summary

Story summary

A damaged subsea cable near Orkney has left over 10,000 residents in the Faroe, Shetland, and Orkney islands without internet and phone services. The Shefa-2 cable was struck early Saturday, but Openreach is on the case, ensuring that while broadband is down, landline calls and emergency services continue to function.

History

Historical Context

In 2006, the SEA-ME-WE 4 cable disruption affected millions across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, revealing the fragility of global internet infrastructure. Similarly, on October 7, 2023, the EE-S1 cable between Sweden and Estonia was damaged, coinciding with a rupture of the Balticconnector gas pipeline. These incidents highlight the urgent need for robust communication networks in our digital age.

1 of 2

Story summary

A damaged subsea cable near Orkney has left over 10,000 residents in the Faroe, Shetland, and Orkney islands without internet and phone services. The Shefa-2 cable was struck early Saturday, but Openreach is on the case, ensuring that while broadband is down, landline calls and emergency services continue to function.

1 / 2