Network cables were damaged during demolition work in Edmonton on July 8, 2026, causing widespread service disruptions for residents and businesses, according to Telus. The incident occurred when a construction crew accidentally cut through underground fiber-optic cables, leading to outages for internet, phone, and television services in several neighborhoods.
Details of the Incident
The damage happened around mid-afternoon near downtown Edmonton, where demolition work was underway for a building redevelopment project. Telus crews were dispatched to the site to assess the damage and begin repairs. The company stated that the cables were part of its core network infrastructure, affecting both residential and commercial customers in the affected areas.
Impact on Services
Service disruptions were reported in multiple districts, including Oliver, McCauley, and parts of central Edmonton. Businesses in the area experienced interruptions to point-of-sale systems and online operations, while residents lost internet access for remote work and schooling. Telus advised customers that restoration could take several hours as crews worked to splice the damaged fibers.
Response and Restoration
Telus said it was prioritizing repairs to restore services as quickly as possible. The company reminded customers to check its service outage map for updates. No timeline for full restoration was immediately provided, but crews were expected to work through the night if needed. The demolition company involved is cooperating with investigators to prevent future incidents, according to a Telus spokesperson.
