Thousands lose phone and Internet services in Sydney CBD

Outage in Sydney CBD caused by severed fibre and copper cables

Phone and Internet connections have been severed after a contractor accidentally cut crucial telecommunications cables in Sydney’s central business district.

The outage is believed to have affected thousands of homes and businesses.

The contractor cut through multiple Telstra fibre optical and copper cables near the corner of Kent Street and Erskine streets about 9.30pm last night, Telstra confirmed.

The cables service provide wireless, mobile and fixed line services. Technicians are on the ground assessing the extent of the damage and planning urgent repair work.

A utility conducting digging works jack hammered through solid concrete to Telstra's major distribution cables, 400mm from the surface.

A Telstra spokesperson said the company was working to clear the damaged area and pull through new cables. The repair work is expected to continue for at least a week, with an estimated damage bill of $1 million.

Affected customers should contact Telstra on 13 22 03, but they’ll probably have to resort to mobile phones.

Know somebody who is affected? Got more info or photos on this story? Let us know via email or follow @computerworldau on Twitter.

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