Damaged Cables and Roadworks Cause Internet Issues in Hageland and Leuven; Telenet Deploys Extra Staff

Residents and workers in Belgium's Hageland and Leuven regions have endured weeks of frustrating internet disruptions, with intermittent outages and unstable connections impacting daily life, particularly for students and those working from home.

Internet provider Telenet has acknowledged the widespread issues, citing a confluence of factors as the cause. These include damaged cables, disruptions from ongoing public works, and fluctuations in temperature, all contributing to the unreliable service.

Member of Parliament Els Van Hoof brought the matter to the attention of Telecommunications Minister Vanessa Matz, emphasizing that internet access is a basic right and urging operators to guarantee adequate service. "The disruptions cause great inconvenience for home workers and students," Van Hoof stated.

In response, Telenet has mobilized 40 percent more personnel to identify and repair or replace faulty cables. The federal regulator, BIPT, is closely observing the situation to ensure Telenet takes the necessary steps. Minister Matz noted that the federal Telecommunications Ombudsman Service has received approximately 1,000 complaints this year regarding internet outages, with most cases resolved through mediation.

Customers experiencing issues are advised to contact their provider directly, as operators are legally obligated to investigate such reports. If a provider fails to act, the federal Ombudsman Service can mediate between the customer and the telecom operator to find a resolution or appropriate compensation.

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The disruptions cause great inconvenience for home workers and students. Internet is a basic right today. We must continue to put pressure on the operators to guarantee good service.