Bell Investigates After Key Underwater Cable Cut—Again

Bell is searching for answers after its fibre-optic cable connecting Newfoundland and Nova Scotia was deliberately cut for the second time in a year.

The latest incident happened on December 24, nearly a year after the first cut on January 4, 2024. Bell’s networks director, David Joice, confirmed that the cable was intentionally severed, likely using a specialized tool, according to the Canadian Press.

“We found that it was cut by humans,” said Joice to the Canadian Press. “And what was really difficult about this, because it’s a huge investment, is we found that it was deliberately cut for the second time by humans.”

The cable, which runs under the Cabot Strait between Dingwall, Nova Scotia, and Codroy, Newfoundland, is a crucial link for internet, TV, and phone services. It sits about 30 metres underwater and is built to withstand harsh conditions with thick protective layers.

One theory is that a ship’s anchor got stuck in the cable, and someone cut it to free the vessel. Joice urged ships not to cut the cable if it gets stuck, stressing that the cable is vital for residents and businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Bell has reported the incident to the RCMP and has already repaired the cable, this time burying it deeper to prevent further damage. The company is also considering new surveillance measures to protect it. Joice pointed out Bell wants people to know these cables are down there and people should avoid them.

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db
db
1 year ago

Bell has reported the incident to the RCMP
———
The RCMP have their work cut out for them because of having unlimited suspects as everyone in the country despises Bell.

iphonenick
iphonenick
Reply to  db
1 year ago

Your snark answer is no comfort to citizens, businesses, physicians, police, etc. that rely on internet connectivity to operate.
The number of cables intentionally cut globally has recently soared with Russia blamed for the majority of European incidents.
The nature of the cut as shown in the photo makes it clear it was sabotage and dismissing the possibility foreign bad actors are involved would be a mistake.

db
db
Reply to  iphonenick
1 year ago

Gee iphonenick, I wonder why Bell's lines are being attacked between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland?
I don't think its the Russians and I'm not sure why you are even raising the subject of them attacking European lines as I don't Newfoundland is in strong demand by any foreign entity.

My guess would be someone or some people have a beef with Bell Canada for reason that I'm the company knows fully well why and its not being reported here.

Don't get me wrong bud, I'm not advocating vandalism but bad things tend to happen to bad companies.

iphonenick
iphonenick
Reply to  db
1 year ago

Your snark answer is no comfort to citizens, businesses, physicians, police, etc. that rely on internet connectivity to operate.
The number of cables intentionally cut globally has recently soared with Russia blamed for the majority of European incidents.
The nature of the cut as shown in the photo makes it clear it was sabotage and dismissing the possibility foreign bad actors are involved would be a mistake.

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