The police in Norway have initiated an investigation into a break in an undersea cable that has resulted in significant disruptions to mobile service in West Finnmark. Areas affected include Kvalsund, Skaidi, Fægfjord, and Repparfjorddalen, where residents and businesses report problems with both fiber subscribers and mobile networks. As a temporary solution, Telenor, the Norwegian telecommunications provider, has implemented satellite communication to restore connectivity, though representatives have noted the challenges involved in this complex operation.

Local authorities, including the Finnmark police district, have stated that emergency services are unaffected, as emergency networks and phones remain operational. However, regular communication services have been severely impacted, with payment terminals also affected, suggesting a wider disruption beyond just mobile services. Residents have expressed concerns about the implications for safety and preparedness, underscoring the importance of reliable communication networks in emergencies.

Despite the significant disruption, police have stated there is no suspicion of sabotage or malicious intent behind the breakage. The investigation seems to focus more on understanding the cause of the cable damage and ensuring that services are restored promptly. In the meantime, Telenor is actively working to resolve the issue and restore full service to the impacted areas, displaying the challenges faced when critical infrastructure is compromised.