PUBLISHED ONApril 18, 2026 5:58 AMUPDATEDApril 19, 2026 3:12 AMBYSean LerCustomers of several internet services providers (ISPs) in Singapore, including Singtel, StarHub, M1, MyRepublic and Simba, have reported issues with broadband services on Saturday (April 18).
Checks by AsiaOne on outage tracking platform Downdetector at 1.30pm show spikes in reports from around 10.50am.
Based on reports from users, broadband internet services were the most commonly reported issue.
In a statement issued on its social media platforms at 11.45am, Singtel said it is aware of the issue, adding that it understands that this may be due to construction activities at a site that is affecting several operators.
"Our engineers are investigating. We apologise for the inconvenience caused," a Singtel spokesperson said, adding that further updates will be provided.
In response to a customer's feedback on its Facebook, M1 said that it was informed of the issue by NetLink Trust at around 10.40am. The ISP added that some connections may not be affected.
In a statement posted on its website at 1.15pm, NetLink Trust said broadband services in parts of Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Sengkang and Punggol have been affected.
It added that they are working with ISPs to restore services "as soon as possible".
NetLink Trust posted a second update at 3pm saying that about 5,000 users may have been affected by the incident which was caused by a third-party contractor carrying out construction activity.
"The errant third-party contractor was not engaged by NetLink Trust. We take a serious view of such disruption in services caused by errant contractors and will not hesitate to take necessary actions against the errant party," it said.
NetLink Trust added that services restoration works are underway and apologised for the inconvenience caused.
As at 7pm, on-site works are still ongoing. A NetLink Trust representative told AsiaOne that site constraints, weather conditions and additional safety precautions may affect restoration timings.
"At this time, services are expected to be progressively restored by Sunday morning, barring unforeseen circumstances," the representative added.
Some affected connections have been restored as at 11pm, with more affected customers expected to see their connections restored as restoration works continue.
NetLink Trust designs, builds, owns and operates the passive fibre network infrastructure of Singapore’s Nationwide Broadband Network (NBN).
In response to AsiaOne's queries, IMDA said it is aware of the ongoing disruption, adding that its preliminary findings indicate that a cable cut during construction works led to the disruption.
The authority said it has instructed NetLink Trust to identify and repair the damaged cables expeditiously.
"This will include diagnosing the extent of the damage and determining the best means to repair the affected fibre cables," a spokesperson from IMDA said.
Investigations are ongoing and IMDA said it will not hesitate to "take strong action" against errant parties, should any lapses be identified.
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