City given priority access to phones for attacks
Government gives City access to priority phone networks in the event of another terrorist attack
Large financial firms in the City have been given access to priority
telephone networks following the London terrorist attacks of 7 July.
The Financial Services Authority, Bank of England and the Treasury – the
tripartite authorities responsible for coordinating the financial markets in the
event of a disaster – announced the change at their annual update, The
Guardian reports.
The failure of landlines and mobile phones following the attacks has prompted
the government to increase access to communications for City businesses from
2006 via the enhanced government telephone preference system.
This allows calls from the City to be given priority over non-999 calls and
should ensure the financial markets continue to function if another attack
occurs.