Updated 6.15pm, adds GO statement

Melita said in a statement that cable damages caused by a third party have impacted all its services in the south of the island.

The impacted areas are: Vittoriosa, Birzebbugia, Cospicua, Bulebel, Delimara, Fawwara, Fgura, Ghaxaq, Gudja, Hal Far, Kalkara, Kirkop, Kordin, Marsa, Marsascala, Marsaxlokk, Malta International Airport, Mqabba, Paola, Qajjenza, Qrendi, Safi, Senglea, Smart City, Santa Lucia, Tarxien, Xghajra, Zabbar, Zejtun, and Zurrieq.

Emergency repairs are currently underway and services should be restored by 3pm. 

Emergency calls on 112 can still be made.

GO apologises

In a statement in the evening, competitor GO apologises to Melita and its subscribers for the disruption.

It said the damage occurred accidentally after planned works were being carried out in GO tunnels by one of its sub-contractors, through which the Melita owned cable is passing.

These works are being undertaken to remove old and inactive copper cables, which are attracting criminal activity, such as theft. 

Upon realisation of the damage caused, GO immediately extended support to Melita to facilitate access to the tunnel and expedite the repair, it said.

"Such operations are complex and delicate by nature and the environment in which the activity takes place adds further complexity," GO said.

It said it deeply regretted the inconvenience caused.