An internet service interruption in Zimbabwe in the past week has been blamed on a fibre optic cable cut in neighboring Mozambique.

Most internet users in Zimbabwe experienced a marked slow-down and in some cases a complete disconnection beginning early last week.

Martin Madera, an IT consultant, told ITWeb Africa on Monday that the service interruption had slowed down networks for users on TelOne’s backbone. TelOne is a state owned fixed phone and internet company.

“The slowdown is still there but I think the worst case scenario of complete disconnection has now been averted through connectivity via satellites,’ he said.

The majority of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Zimbabwe rely on TelOne’s ADSL service.

“We complained to our internet provider and they told us that a cable had disconnected somewhere in Mozambique,” confirmed an executive with a government parastatal.

Experts say TelOne has managed to re-route its connectivity through other existing channels such as satellites,although these are considered too slow as compared to connectivity through fibre-optic cable.

There was no immediate response from TelOne, as officials at the company were said to be in meetings.

Reports show that the state-run TelOne, which according to economist, Tony Hawkins, should be privatised to enhance its competitiveness, accessed connectivity to the EASSy cable that runs through Mozambique in March last year.

Madera said connectivity through the EASSy cable had enhanced Zimbabwe’s internet speed,.

Lawrence Nkala, the managing director at TelOne said earlier this month that the company has expanded its ADSL coverage to more cities and towns, with Mutare, Marondera and Gweru now being covered, in addition to Harare and Bulawayo.