KINGSTON, Jamaica—Communications and entertainment provider Flow Jamaica says mobile services remain stable for approximately 70 per cent of its customers, although intermittent disruptions persist in some areas due to power and other issues impacting the service in several parishes.

“Based on initial assessment, over 500 Flow mobile sites registered as offline following the passage of Hurricane Melissa. It said seven critical sites reported as being completely destroyed, severely affecting connectivity in communities such as Manchioneal in Portland, Portmore in St Catherine and Ironshore in St James,” the company said in a media release on Wednesday.

The company said it is now sensitising customers regarding access to its Flow Essential satellite emergency communications system in the hardest-hit parishes of St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Trelawny, and St James. This is to enable customers to send text and SMS messages to any mobile network, even where terrestrial mobile service is unavailable.

“Currently, over 70 per cent of Flow’s mobile customers can access the Starlink-enabled service, with more than 67,000 customers already utilising the service,” Flow added.

It noted that a full assessment of mobile site damage is expected by this weekend, after which full restoration efforts will begin.

Meanwhile, on its fixed network, the company said a total of approximately 15-22 per cent of home internet customers are currently able to access internet services, however, Flow noted that these numbers remain challenged based on power access for both individual homes and power supply to Flow’s internet nodes across the island.

This means that customers may still experience challenges accessing service even after electricity service has been returned to their home.

Flow says it is working closely with its partners, Jamaica Public Service (JPS), to coordinate a restoration schedule for critical distribution sites still without power.

Flow’s retail stores across the island are set to be reopened on Friday. Mobile retail outlets will also be deployed to key areas.

As part of its initial humanitarian response, Flow will distribute free SIM cards with data and phones to residents in the most severely affected communities.

Customers experiencing service issues are encouraged to contact Flow’s customer service via WhatsApp at 876-620-2200.

For emergencies, including downed service lines, members of the public may reach out to Flow’s emergency operations centre (EOC) at 876-929-9834 / 9837.