PETALING JAYA (Dec 27, 2006): Internet and phone services were disrupted across much of Asia today, and may take weeks to be fully restored. The cause was an earthquake in Taiwan on Tuesday night which damaged undersea cables, leaving one of the world’s most tech-savvy regions in a virtual blackout. From frustrated traders seeking in vain for stock quotes to anxious newshounds accustomed to round-the-clock updates on world events, millions of people from China to Japan to Australia were believed to be affected. Taiwan’s largest telephone company, Chunghwa Telecom Co, estimates that 98% of the island state’s communications with Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Hongkong were hit. “The Internet capacity in Taiwan is about 40% now, so the service is jammed,” said a spokesman. More visit http://www.sun2surf.com

Technorati Tags: undersea, cables, damage,

Popularity: 1% [?]