Press Releases

Construction Works and Cable Thefts - Main Causes of Electronic Communications Service Interruptions

16.10.2012

 
The deterioration of the fibre optic because of constructions, infrastructure and utilities works and the theft of cables are the main causes which affected the provision of the electronic communications services for at least one hour during last year. Other causes that determined such unavailability of services were the natural phenomena and interruptions or faults of the power supply network.
In this year’s first half, ANCOM sent to 40 providers of electronic communications networks and services a questionnaire on the incidents which affected the functioning of the electronic communications networks and services for more than 5,000 users for over one hour during 2011. This questionnaire was aimed at identifying the number, duration and impact of the incidents on both users and providers.
Upon gathering the transmitted answers, ANCOM identified 268 incidents which affected the security and integrity of the electronic communications networks and services in 2011. Approx. 45% of these incidents were provoked by internal causes of the communications companies (equipment failures, software errors, human errors), and the remaining 55% were determined by external causes (works carried out by third parties, cable thefts, natural phenomena, disruption of power supply etc.).
The theft of copper cables or their deliberate deterioration (about 28% of the incidents occurred out of external reasons) and the deterioration of the fibre optic by the entities carrying out construction works and/or works of maintenance of the public utilities system (approx. 24%) are the most frequent external causes determining such incidents.
“The survey conducted by the Authority showed that almost 30% of the total interruptions in the provision of electronic communications services are caused by the theft of cables and by their destruction. In the immediately following period, we will hold a series of meetings with the providers of electronic communications services to find together the most suitable legal and operational solutions in order to reduce this phenomenon and to establish new means for enhancing the security of networks. As well, we will convene meetings with representatives of the national authorities competent in stopping these deeds in order to concur on an action strategy for reducing this extremely serious crime phenomenon which affects other industries as well”, the Executive Director of the Regulation Executive Division within ANCOM, Mr. Eduard Lovin, said.
21% of the incidents provoked by external causes in 2011 are attributed to the natural phenomena, such as heavy snowfalls, which led to the disruption of power supply and to roadblocks that prevented the intervention teams of the affected providers from accessing the equipment premises and therefore did not allow for rapid remediation.
Other causes affecting the proper functioning of the communications services are the fluctuations in power supply (almost 20%) and the hardware and software failures (7%).
Based on the results of this questionnaire, ANCOM is considering establishing certain levels from which these incidents are to be reported in the future, on a regular basis, to the Authority and the measures which are to be taken by the providers in view of enhancing the level of security and integrity of the electronic communications networks and services.
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