The cable damage is being investigated by finnish police, who have said it is not a criminal investigation.
“GlobalConnect” press representative Niklas Ekströms said that the cable was damaged at two points in the rural area between Espoo and vihti, and one of the damages was related to excavation works, while the cause of the other damage has not yet been determined.
Cable damage has caused internet outages for about 6,000 customers in Finland.
GlobalConnect said in a statement that the damaged cable was located on land and that the sea cables were not affected.
Finnish Transport and Communications Minister Lulu Ranne confirmed on the “X” platform that an investigation is underway.
It has already been reported that in November,two underwater cables were broken in the Baltic Sea,one of which connects Finland and germany,and the other - Sweden and Lithuania. These cables have already been repaired.
Of special interest to the investigators was the Chinese cargo ship “Yi Peng 3”, which may have passed the location of the two cables at the time they were damaged.
It is indeed suspected that the Chinese cargo ship “Yi Peng 3” deliberately dragged the anchor along the bottom of the Baltic Sea for more than 160 kilometers, thereby damaging two underwater dialogue cables, the “Wall Street Journal” newspaper reports.
– What are the main challenges facing telecommunications infrastructure in Finland?
Interview with Dr.Anna Lehto, telecommunications Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr.Anna Lehto. Recent cable damage in Finland has raised several questions about internet reliability and infrastructure. Can you give us a brief overview of the situation?
Dr. Anna Lehto: Absolutely, and thank you for having me.Recently, two points of cable damage were reported between Espoo and Vihti in Finland, affecting around 6,000 customers. The Finnish police are investigating, although they have stated it is not a criminal examination. GlobalConnect, the fiber cable operator, indicated one of the damages was linked to excavation work, while the other remains unexplained.
Time.news Editor: It’s concerning to see such a significant impact on internet services. How does this incident reflect on the broader state of telecommunications infrastructure in Finland?
Dr. Anna Lehto: It highlights vulnerabilities that exist within our telecommunications infrastructure.with the rising dependency on internet connectivity for everyday functions, any damage can severely disrupt services. This incident serves as a reminder that both land and underwater cables are critical to maintaining connectivity. It is indeed also essential for companies to prioritize risk assessments and implement safeguards when conducting excavation or construction near cable routes.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, the previous incidents involving underwater cables also draw attention. There were reports of a Chinese cargo ship, the “Yi Peng 3,” perhaps causing damage to underwater cables in the Baltic Sea. How does this connect to the current situation, and what implications does it have for international shipping protocols?
Dr. Anna Lehto: The potential connection is significant. The “Yi Peng 3” is suspected of dragging its anchor along the seabed, which highlights the risks posed by maritime operations near sensitive underwater infrastructure. This incident underscores the need for improved navigational protocols for larger vessels operating in proximity to undersea cables. Countries must collaborate to enforce regulations to prevent such incidents in the future, given the vast implications for international connectivity and security.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of regulations,what can be done to improve the resilience of telecommunications infrastructure against such damages?
Dr. Anna Lehto: There are several strategies. Firstly, regular inspections and maintenance of existing infrastructure can preemptively address wear and vulnerabilities.Secondly,adopting advanced monitoring technologies,such as sensors and AI,can enhance real-time detection of faults in the network. Furthermore, constructively collaborating with shipping industries to establish clear guidelines about cable locations can help minimize unintentional damages. Moreover, investing in redundancy pathways can ensure continuity of service during such outages.
Time.news Editor: What advice would you give to consumers affected by internet outages like this one?
Dr. Anna Lehto: For consumers, staying informed is crucial. Follow updates from your service provider and understand the expected timeframe for repairs.It’s also wise to have backup internet options, like mobile hotspots or alternative ISPs, in areas where service interruption is common. Lastly, advocating for stronger infrastructure measures from local authorities can help mitigate future risks.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lehto, for sharing your insights. This incident undoubtedly serves as a wake-up call for both policymakers and the telecommunications sector to work diligently toward enhancing infrastructure resilience.
Dr. Anna Lehto: Thank you for the opportunity. It’s vital that we address these challenges proactively to ensure reliable communication channels for everyone.