BROADBAND MISERY FOR THOUSANDS
THOUSANDS of East End residents are being affected by a huge internet outage after a cable in Bridgeton exploded. Shops have been forced to close or only accept cash because card machines have been made useless by the outage.
Andy Baillie, a patch manager for BT Openreach, said: “This was like a hand grenade going off underground, and the damage to one of our main East End cable routes is extensive.
“We’ll be working round the clock to get everyone back online as fast as we can, but these repairs are complex and it’s going to take time.
“We’re sorry for the disruption and thank residents for their patience and understanding while we work on the fix.”
The Post Office in Duke Street shut yesterday and it was understood a number of outlets at the nearby Forge Retail Park closed or were only taking cash.
In a post on Facebook, the shop said: “We are as frustrated as you are, we are a family business and this loss in revenue is upsetting.”
Engineers are on the scene to combat the problem, which was caused after an underground cable exploded, “blasting” the nearby digital network which serves thousands of homes.
Residents were left dismayed by the outage, with many relying on home internet access because of the lockdown.
Miriam Adams said: “Couldn’t work today, no work, no pay. They’re saying it could be days until it’s back on.”
Aimee King, a student had a crucial part of her university work disrupted.
She said: “I am currently sat sending two chapters of my literature review over the phone. It’s taking me ages to take photos of it all.”
Joanna Scott had difficulties home-schooling because of the outage: “No work done, neither my own or home schooling. And no way will I be expecting my wee one to play catch up when it goes back on.”
Tip Top Estate Agent in Duke Street’s offices was also affected and urged customers to contact them on a mobile number as its phone lines were also cut off.
But it was not bad news for everyone.
Another Dennistoun resident said: “I am unable to attend my university classes or get work done for my job, but I am having a great day. Just listening to my records, hanging out with my cat and cracking open a few cans.”
A spokeswoman for Openreach said: “An emergency response unit is on its way to the Gallowgate to provide internet access for urgent use while repairs are carried out.”
Internet access cut out for residents in Dennistoun and Bridgeton at around 11pm last night.
It is not clear when access will be restored but local reports that it could take as long as nine days were dismissed by Openreach.