Rats gnawing on internet cables caused a UK internet provider to go bankrupt.

Besides destroying food and belongings, rats are increasingly becoming a threat to telecommunications infrastructure, especially when internet cables use biological materials.

Animals seek shelter, and with their strong survival instincts, rats often choose human structures as their dwelling places. Regardless of whether it's private or public property, rats tend to gnaw on everything from food to internet cables.

A prime example occurred in early 2026 when G.Network, an internet service provider in London, England, filed for bankruptcy due to extensive damage caused by a rat infestation that gnawed through their internet cables. Although competitor Community Fibre initially intended to acquire G.Network, they later withdrew their offer due to the magnitude of the damage.

Internet infrastructure faces threats from rodents.

PHOTO: SCREENSHOT FROM GAMEGPU

This isn't the first time rats have caused internet-related problems. In 2023, the Tring area of ​​Hertfordshire (England) completely lost internet connectivity because rats gnawed through numerous cables. According to engineers from Openreach, repairs were not simple due to the cable's tough outer sheath. Last month, a similar incident occurred in Doncaster (England), where rats again damaged the cables.

When eco-friendly internet cables attract mice

According to BGR , rats not only damage conventional fiber optic cables but also specifically target biodegradable cables, such as the ones G.Network uses, which are made from soybean or corn-based materials. With their keen sense of smell, rats can easily detect and gnaw on these cables, leading to more connection problems.

Although Openreach states that incidents of rats gnawing on cables "rarely happen," Community Fibre CEO Graem Oxby asserts that rats often seek out cables because they are "very tasty." If companies continue to use biodegradable cable sheathing, rat gnawing could become a regular and costly problem.

Besides rats, many other rodents also damage cable infrastructure. With their tenacious nature, moles have damaged crops and power cables, while squirrels also pose a significant threat with their ability to climb and gnaw on the insulation of electrical wires. A notable incident occurred in 1987, when a squirrel caused a power outage at NASDAQ, disrupting traders' work for over an hour and a half.

Clearly, rats and other rodents are becoming insidious disruptors of the internet, posing a major challenge for service providers in protecting their infrastructure.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chuot-gam-cap-internet-khien-nha-mang-anh-pha-san-18526041316092361.htm