Blundering workmen cut major Docklands fibre

O2, Be Broadband network slowed

By Chris Williams • Get more from this author

Posted in Telecoms, 23rd October 2008 12:42 GMT

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Workmen in London's Docklands sliced through a major fibre optic trunk yesterday, forcing businesses and ISPs nationwide to reroute internet traffic.

Contractors in Yeo Street broke the link, owned by tier one provider Global Crossing, early on Wednesday afternoon.

The O2 and Be Broadband network was the highest profile casualty. Customers noticed slower speeds as the the remaining backup connections struggled to carry all the traffic.

A Be Broadband spokesman said at 1pm today that its services were almost back to normal. The firm expects repair work to be completed in time for this evening's peak network load.

Connexions4London also reported major problems.

Several key parts of UK internet infrastructure are located in Docklands, including ISP peering points, data centres and international backbone links. Global Crossing's press representatives couldn't be reached. ®

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