Digicel and Flow say internet, TV services impacted by vandalism
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Digicel and Flow have reportedly suffered another act of vandalism Wednesday evening, which the companies say has disrupted television, landline and internet services for a wide cross-section of customers amid the calling of election results.
In separate statements, Digicel condemned the “deliberate vandalism” to its connectivity partners’ network, which it says has interrupted home internet, mobile and TV services, while Flow described the vandalism as severe, disrupting internet, landline and TV services for numerous customers in the areas of St Catherine, May Pen and Mandeville.
“A small minority has disrupted essential services and critical communication channels at a time when national connectivity is most needed,” Digicel said on Wednesday.
“Digicel condemns this criminal action in the strongest terms. The targeted damage has interrupted home internet, mobile and TV services for a number of customers. These acts not only inconvenience individuals and businesses but also undermine economic activity and public safety,” it added.
“Our technical teams have identified the section of fibre cables located in the vicinity of Mandela Highway in St Catherine where protective concrete slabs and sealed manholes were breached and have mobilised repairs,” Flow said.
Digicel also said its engineers and technical teams are working continuously to restore services as quickly and safely as possible and are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure those responsible are identified and prosecuted.
“We apologise to our customers for this disruption and thank you for your patience. Digicel remains committed to restoring service in the shortest possible time and to keeping Jamaica connected,” it said.
Added Flow, “We are committed to restoring services as swiftly as possible; however, based on the nature of the damage, ask for patience as our teams execute the necessary repairs. Flow continues to lament the significant challenges posed by ongoing vandalism and theft of its network infrastructure.”
