HONG KONG (AFP) - Internet users in Asia have eyed an escape from a digital black hole as slow surfing speeds gradually improved four days after an earthquake cut Web access in many areas.
Telephone and Internet traffic throughout the region was severely disrupted when underwater communication cables were damaged by a 7.1-magnitude quake off the coast of Taiwan on Tuesday, which killed two people on the island.
Millions were left pining for their e-mails and clutching unresponsive telephones, but moves to circumvent the damage by funnelling data through alternative routes appeared to ease Asia's communication woes Saturday.
Hong Kong's telecommunications authority reported improved telephone connections and easier Internet access, but warned most surfers to expect slower than normal Web speeds Saturday.
