By Kieren McCarthy

Algeria experienced an internet blackout Thursday after a submarine cable that carries much of its traffic failed.

The SMWE4 Annaba to Marseilles suffered a “technical problem,” according to Algeria Telecom. Usually with submarine cables that means it has been accidentally cut, either by a trawler, or ship dragging an anchor, or even a shark attack.

The problem caused a complete failure of the Oran Link network; Algeria Telecom has routed its traffic through Palermo in order to keep data flowing. Algeria Telecom put out a statement saying its technical team is working on locating the problem and that it would make information about it public once confirmed.

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