A break in the subsea fibre optic system in the Mediterranean sea near Alexandria has caused disruptions in etisalat services.

Etisalat confirmed the break in the SMW4 system in a statement yesterday.

“The company quickly initiated its contingency plan to reroute traffic to minimise the customer impact and is working closely with the parties concerned to ensure the earliest possible restoration of the cables,” the statement said.

Ali Al Ahmad, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at etisalat, said: “The cause of the break is as yet unknown; experts are checking the reasons.”