Customers are still reporting issues with their TalkTalk broadband service today (23rd) after suffering extended outages since Saturday (21st). Providers including Plusnet, UtilityWarehouse and others also appear to be affected.
Damage to fibre optic cables is reportedly the cause of the disruption. Fibre optics are used to carry signals using light, they are usually buried underground to cover large distances. The location of the damage is unknown. Most of the core infrastructure in the UK is owned by BT under the name Openreach, and companies such as TalkTalk and others run their services on top of this infrastructure.
TalkTalk say they are working on resolving issues for customers in East Anglia that result from a damaged fibre optic cable. They report internet exchanges have been affected in Burnham Market, Downham Market, Fakenham, Stoke Ferry, Tittleshall and Watlington.
Locals are raising issues around internet access in a time when many people are working from home. Many companies are signed up to a scheme with Ofcom, the communications regulator, to provide automatic compensation to customers when the service has been out for more than two days.
Some residents in Downham Market have reported that their access to services through the GP practices in town have been impacted due to this outage. Bridge Street Surgery said today their computer system is down.
An update from TalkTalk at 10pm on 23rd Jan confirmed that issues are still present for customers.