McArthur seeks update from the Scottish Government on subsea cable

Orkney's MSP Liam McArthur has today sought an update from the Scottish Government on work to repair the damaged subsea cable serving the Northern Isles.

Initial estimates suggested that up to 10,000 people's internet connection had been affected following damage to the cable over the weekend. The Balfour Hospital switchboard was among the vital services temporarily disrupted with many households, businesses and service providers still experiencing disruption.

Mr McArthur has today written to Scottish Government Connectivity Minister, Jim Fairlie MSP asking for updates on the work being done to ensure that full connectivity is restored as soon as possible.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

"Subsea cables like this are critical infrastructure and events over the weekend offered a stark reminder of how reliant we are on connectivity.

“As well as ensuring that repairs are made as quickly as possible, communications providers need to have contingency plans in place. The response over recent days, suggest that the picture is mixed in that regard and lessons must be learned.  

"Meantime, I have written to the Scottish Government asking for urgent and regular updates on the situation. Given the impact the fault is having, the public needs to be kept informed of developments in a timely fashion. This can help provide reassurance but also reduce the scope for inaccurate information to circulate.

“In the meantime, I would encourage constituents with any concerns to get in touch with their communications provider.”