Major Internet Disruptions Hit Multiple Singapore ISPs

Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has launched an investigation into a suspected fiber optic cable cut linked to NetLink Trust, following widespread broadband outages reported by customers of major internet service providers across the city-state.

The disruption affected users of Singtel, StarHub, M1, MyRepublic, and Simba, with many reporting intermittent or complete loss of internet connectivity beginning in mid-April 2026. Initial reports pointed to physical damage to underground fiber infrastructure during ongoing construction works in the western part of Singapore, prompting IMDA to intervene under its mandate to ensure the reliability and resilience of national telecommunications networks.

NetLink Trust, a subsidiary of Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC, owns and operates the country’s open-access fiber network, which serves as the foundational infrastructure for most retail ISPs. Damage to its cables can therefore have a cascading effect, impacting multiple service providers simultaneously — a scenario that aligns with the widespread nature of the reported outages.

IMDA confirmed We see working with NetLink Trust, the relevant construction contractors, and the affected ISPs to determine the cause and location of the suspected cable cut. The authority emphasized that any damage to critical telecommunications infrastructure during construction activities must be promptly reported and mitigated, in accordance with the Telecommunications Act and related codes of practice.

As of the latest update, service restoration efforts are underway, with ISPs confirming gradual recovery in affected areas. Singtel and StarHub both issued public advisories acknowledging the disruption and advising customers to restart their equipment if connectivity issues persisted. M1 and MyRepublic reported similar progress, noting that repair crews were dispatched to the site once the fault was isolated.

Industry analysts note that while Singapore’s broadband network is among the most robust globally, reliance on a shared open-access model means that incidents affecting core infrastructure can quickly scale. The incident underscores the importance of coordinated planning between utility providers, construction firms, and telecom operators — especially in densely built urban environments where underground works are frequent.

IMDA has not yet released a timeline for the conclusion of its investigation but stated that findings will be shared with relevant stakeholders and may inform future guidelines on construction-site safety near telecommunications assets. The authority also reminded all parties involved in excavation or groundworks to utilize the national OneCall service before digging to prevent accidental damage to buried utilities.

For end-users, the event serves as a reminder of the physical vulnerabilities underlying digital connectivity — even in a nation celebrated for its technological advancement. While no long-term impact is expected, the incident highlights the need for continued investment in network redundancy and real-time monitoring to minimize disruption from unforeseen physical faults.