Residents of Taiwan's outlying islands near the Chinese coast have been without internet access for the past month.
, had to struggle with paying electricity bills, making a doctor's appointment or receiving a package.
“A lot of tourists would cancel their booking because there’s no internet. Nowadays, the internet plays a very large role in people’s lives,” said Chen, who lives in Beigan, one of Matsu’s main residential islands. Taiwan's coast guard gave chase to the fishing vessel that cut the first cable on Feb. 2, but it went back to Chinese waters, according to an official who was briefed on the incident and was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Authorities found two Chinese ships in the area where the cables were cut, based on automated identification system data, similar to GPS, which shows a vessel’s location.
Without a stable internet, coffee shop owner Chiu Sih-chi said seeing the doctor for his toddler son's cold became a hassle because first they had to visit the hospital to just get an appointment. Some enterprising residents went across to the other shore to buy SIM cards from Chinese telecoms, though those only work well in the spots closer to the Chinese coast, which is only 10 kilometers away at its closest point.
A spokesperson for the Digital Ministry directed questions about the progress of backup plans to the National Communications Commission. NCC said it will install a surveillance system for the undersea cables, while relying on microwave transmission as a backup option.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
Chinese ships cut internet of Taiwan's outlying islandsNANGAN, Taiwan (AP) — In the past month, bed and breakfast owner Chen Yu-lin had to tell his guests he couldn't provide them with the internet. Others living on Matsu, one of Taiwan’s outlying islands closer to neighboring China, had to struggle with paying electricity bills, making a doctor's appointment or receiving a package.
Les mer »
China, US heading for 'conflict and confrontation,' foreign minister warnsChinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Qin Gang accused the United States of pushing Taiwan to the brink of destruction by interfering with Chinese claims of sovereignty over the island.
Les mer »
Taiwan sounds alarm as China ramps up defence spendingTaiwan's defence minister warns sharp increase in military spending for 2023 could mean Beijing is preparing for the use of force if necessary to potentially retake the self-ruled island
Les mer »
Arson arrest made in Sandy apartment fire that displaced multiple residentsA woman was arrested for one count of arson after she admitted she started a fire at a Sandy apartment complex that displaced multiple residents because she wanted to 'burn away the negative energy, sadness, and pain in her life,' documents state.
Les mer »