In Kyiv and other regions of Ukraine, there have been disruptions to watching TV channels via online services. Some channels are temporarily unavailable on MEGOGO and other OTT platforms. This is due to damage to data centres and telecommunications infrastructure caused by Russian attacks on the capital. MEGOGO has informed users that the data centre of its key partner, which supplies the television signal, has suffered serious damage.
Briefly about the main points
- There have been disruptions to online television services in Ukraine.
- Some channels are not available on MEGOGO or other platforms.
- The reason is damage to data centres following Russian attacks.
- Technicians are working to restore the signal.
Some TV channels have disappeared from MEGOGO
On the evening of 26 September, users began reporting that some Ukrainian TV channels were unavailable on OTT platforms.
Problems are identified, in particular, during review via MEGOGO. Some channels continue to broadcast, whilst on others a message stating that there is no signal appears instead of the programme.
MEGOGO attributed the service disruptions to the Russian attack:
«As a result of the Russian attack, the data centre of our main partner, which supplies us with a television signal, has suffered serious damage.».
According to the service, technical teams are working to restore broadcasts.
Problems have arisen not only at MEGOGO
Interruptions to the television signal have also been reported on other platforms and by other providers. Some channels have stopped working on MEGOGO, Kyivstar TV, Tenet and Maincast. This applies, in particular, to sports, news and educational channels. On some services, the programme archive has also become unavailable.
The Mykolaiv-based internet service provider «Dykyi Sad» has also informed its customers that after attacks on one of the data centres in Kyiv Broadcasting of many TV channels has been suspended, and it is not yet known when services will be fully restored.
Russian strikes have damaged at least four data centres
Problems with television were yet another consequence of a series of blows to digital infrastructure Kyiv.
According to DOU, the following were affected by the Russian attacks on 23–25 September: at least four data centres in Kyiv and the infrastructure of more than ten internet and hosting providers. Network nodes, server equipment and communication channels were damaged.
Problems have been reported at Datagroup, UTELS, «Pavutina», Crazy Network, KIEVNET, Faust, Etherlink, Cityhost, MiroHost, «Domonet» and at the «Parkovy» Exhibition Centre. Users have been affected not only in the capital but also in several regions.
The TV channel’s broadcast had already been interrupted due to the attack
On 26 September, the TV channel «News.LIVE» has temporarily suspended television broadcasts due to problems with its data centres following the Russian attack on Kyiv.
The editorial team reported that the website, YouTube, Telegram and other digital platforms continued to operate, although the television signal was down for some time. Subsequently, some TV channels began to gradually return to the airwaves. KYIV24 notes that media companies and service providers are continuing with restoration work.
There may also be disruptions in the regions
The problem is not confined to Kyiv. As the capital remains one of Ukraine’s key telecommunications hubs, damage to large data centres and backbone networks could affect users in various regions.
Experts have previously explained that the Ukrainian network has significant redundancy and a decentralised infrastructure, so a complete shutdown of the internet or television is unlikely. At the same time, attacks on major hubs could result in localised and temporary disruptions.
At present, operators and media services are continuing to switch traffic to backup channels and restore damaged infrastructure.
