TELECOMMUNICATION LINE BETWEEN EUROPE AND ASIA DAMAGED BY A VESSEL

Regnum, Russia
Aug. 27, 2006

Works on restoring fiber cable at one of international sections of the
Tbilisi-Poti-Novorossiysk fiber-optical network (access to Russia, some
CIS countries, Europe and so on) belonging to the Fortnet Company is
planned to be completed by tomorrow’s morning, a REGNUM correspondent
is told at Fortnet.

According to the company, there have been no serious problems
concerning data transmitting to digital channels users in this
direction, as they all were switched to alternative channels. They
be switched back tomorrow.

The Tbilisi-Poti-Novorossiysk cable was damaged two weeks ago at
its underwater section in Poti port. According to Fortnet, most of
all the accident caused damage to Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia,
which have their traffic through this cable. However, it was a bit
easier for Azerbaijan, as it has an alternative traffic, the company
informs. At present moment, an investigation is being carried out to
find reasons of the accident. One of major versions says the cable
was destroyed by a vessel passing by.

The fiber channel belonging to fortnet covers a number of cities and
district centers in Georgia, particularly, Tbilisi, Gori, Khashuri,
Zestafoni, Kutaisi, Samtredia, Khobi, Senaki, Poti, Zugdidi, Bolnisi,
Dmanisi. It also has branches in three international directions:
Tbilisi-Poti-Novorossiysk, Tbilisi-Armenia and Tbilisi-Azerbaijan
(the branch is continued further towards Iran).