New survey shows the cost of disruption to business’ connectivity is soaring
A group of alternative fibre network providers (altnets) has asked Michele Donelan, the UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), for measures to counter attacks on fibre infrastructure.
The group, led by Ogi and Vorboss, has written to the DSIT, asking for greater police involvement and to consider stiffer sentences for those caught maliciously damaging network infrastructure. It is signed by execs from altnets plus the Chair Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA).
Soaring cost of disruption
According to the group, there has been a series attacks on fibre infrastructure around the country which disrupt public services and businesses as well as individuals’ daily lives, cutting off entire streets or communities or streets.
The altnets are of the opinion that the police should give greater priority to preventing attacks and apprehending those responsible, given the impact they have.
Beaming, an ISP commissioned a survey which found businesses lost over 50 million hours and £3.7 billion (up from £742 million in 2018. This is because that although the amount of time businesses lose due connectivity failures has fallen by 20% helped by the shift to full-fibre infrastructure, their reliance on digital infrastructure means the cost of disruptions to it has soared by 400%
Censuswide carried out the survey of 504 UK-based businesses leaders in January.
Types of attack
Vorboss, which provides fiber connections of up to 100Gbps for businesses in London, told The Register that attacks vary from cutting through cable in underground ducts to pouring petrol into access chambers and setting them alight.
It seems that the motive varies from vandalism, to a grudge against a specific provider or anti-5G activism rather than acts of sabotage by rival providers.
Examples of attacks include extensive damage by vandals to part of Netomnia’s new fibre network in Liverpool, although few subscribers suffered as a result. The altnet is investing £39 million in the area.
In January Ogi’s infrastructure at Pembroke Dock was attacked. Engineers had to rebuild parts of the new network covering 600m at several sites in the town, ISP Review reported.