Telegraph Museum Porthcurno has been experiencing a loss of broadband connectivity affecting phones and emails. The issue started early last week and is still ongoing.

Porthcurno is located right on the coast and gets next to no mobile signal except for a Vodafone mast in the valley. Some limited connectivity has also been possible using an old phone line.

We hope to get connected by the end of the day as an estimation. In the meantime, here are some reflections on the changes we have faced.

Taken for Granted
It really helps to illustrate the role of modern-day communications and how interwoven global communications are in our lives. It is amazing how direct messaging, emails and phone calls are essential in planning and delivering projects and once that is lost it is hard to replicate.

It is recognised that the output of any person working in a digital role will be reduced by the tools and resources available to them. With offices now using online solutions and cloud-based programmes the loss of connectivity can be a huge compromise to efficiency.

Time and Tide Wait for no Man
Something we have come to notice is how quickly we work. Day by day, multiple conversations take place. Updates of information and reports are sent within a few seconds. Without emails, the timescale for communicating information is hugely increased.

Social media also happens at a fast pace and 24/7. Social conversations take place globally and simultaneously. Many museums operate over several social media platforms as a way of sharing their collections and stories with global audiences. Loss of connection means it’s not so easy to stay in touch and share the 1-2-1 relationships with those who share in our history.

Moving Forwards
The museum hasn’t completely been in the dark, but the loss of connection has certainly demonstrated how much we rely on and appreciate global connectivity in everything we do.

If you would like to know more about the history of global communications and the origins of the global networks connecting us today you can visit the museum Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays during the winter months.

Find out more about fibre optics here or explore our history here.

Winter opening times:
(Saturday 2 November 2019 – Friday 27 March 2020)
Open Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10:30 am to 4 pm (last admission is at 3 pm).

Telegraphers’ Tea Room open on these days 10:30 am to 3:30 pm

Summer opening times:
(From 28th March 2020)
Museum open 7 days per week 10:00 am to 17:00 pm (with last admission at 16:00 pm)