- Denmark’s major telecom operator TDC experienced a core network failure, resulting in widespread service outages across the country
- The disruption affected TDC and its subsidiary Telia’s phone and internet services, with repairs still underway
What happened
Danish telecoms operator TDC Net has suffered a major telecoms outage. The telco, which is Denmark’s largest network provider, has blamed the outage on a software update it implemented on November 27.
The outage has meant thousands of customers have been unable to make phone calls. This even includes calling the 112 emergency services number. ABC News reported that the telco doesn’t believe the outage has been caused by a cyber attack. TDC Net said it had implemented a fix to allow customers to make calls, although with a reportedly reduced sound quality.
Despite the gravity of the situation, TDC has yet to pinpoint exactly when normal service will resume. However, the company assures that the outage is not expected to drag on for multiple days. The impact of the outage has compelled local authorities to take swift action. On the island of Funen, police have deployed every available patrol vehicle as a direct call line for residents. With conventional phone lines down, officers are encouraging those in need to physically approach police patrols if unable to establish contact via phone. In the face of this outage in Denmark, customers with broadband internet access are being advised to utilise alternative communication methods. Such as FaceTime and Facebook Messenger to stay connected.
Also read: French telecom services hit by sabotage attacks
Also read: Central Telecoms: Safeguarding business from power outages
What it’s important
This telecom outage in Denmark highlights a critical vulnerability in highly digitalized societies—how a single infrastructure failure can disrupt entire sectors. While Denmark is known for its advanced digital economy, this incident exposes the risks inherent in centralized networks and aging telecom infrastructure.
The impact on small businesses was particularly severe. Take, for example, Nordic Roots, a small Copenhagen-based online retailer specializing in eco-friendly home goods. During the outage, the company was unable to process customer orders or communicate with clients, as its entire order management system relies on internet connectivity. As a result, Nordic Roots lost a significant number of sales and experienced customer dissatisfaction. For a small business with tight margins, this disruption was not just an inconvenience but a serious financial setback. They also had trouble contacting suppliers to reorder products, which further delayed their operations. In a digital-first economy, even the smallest disruption can lead to cascading consequences, as small businesses are often less equipped to handle extended periods without critical communication and data access.
This incident fits into a broader global trend where smaller companies are increasingly vulnerable to telecom infrastructure failures. Similar events have occurred in other countries. For example, the 2023 UK outage was caused by a failure at a smaller telecom provider. This outage disproportionately affected small businesses. Local cafes, fitness studios, and boutique shops were especially impacted. These businesses rely on stable internet for payment systems, customer interactions, and inventory management.
