Copper Cable Theft Knocks Out Sky Broadband in South and West London

Tens of thousands of Sky Broadband customers in the South and West London area have been left without broadband and phone connectivity after thieves, whom attempted to steal vital copper telecoms cable from a site in West London (Great West Road) on 10th December, cut several vital fibre optic links.

The serious loss of broadband service, which is also likely to have impacted some other ISPs, has caused protracted connectivity problems for local homes and residents in the following areas: Stamford Hill, Dartford, Ewell, Mitcham, Wimbledon, Hampstead, Battersea, Chiswick and Beulah Hill.

BTOpenreach were yesterday able to restore service to 27,000 customers originally affected by the malicious attack in the following areas: Dartford, Mitcham, Battersea, Wimbledon, Hampstead and Beulah Hill. However an update posted last night warned that it could take a “further 48 hours” to reconnect the remaining 10,000 customers in Stamford Hill, Ewell and Chiswick.

Sky’ Statement

Please note, your broadband speeds may be slower than usual in these areas while the network resumes full service. We will keep you informed with any updates as soon as we receive them and are sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Customers have strongly criticised Sky Broadband for being slow to acknowledge and communicate the problem via their Service Status page and other support channels.