Bangladesh Internet Cable Cut

Internet users in Bangladesh are facing major disruption to their service after a submarine cable was cut.

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The accident affected the SEA-ME-WE 4 optical fibre system that runs from France to Malaysia.

The accident occurred earlier this week about 60km (40 miles) from Singapore’s coast.

India, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore also rely on the section of cable involved but have been able to route traffic via other connections.

“Bangladesh does not have an alternative submarine cable or any other connection,” said Monwar Hossain, managing director of the Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company which operates the country’s segment of the network.

He could not explain what had caused the damage.

The firm said the east segment of the cable was out of operation, forcing it to send all data through the remaining west segment.

About 5% of Bangladesh’s population of 165 million citizens have access to broadband internet.

Local reports suggest that firms are experiencing very slow connections causing problems for internet-based phone calls and email.

Via BBC News.