Thousands affected by telephone, cell problems

More than 1,600 TSTT customers were yesterday without their telecommunications services as  telephone cables were cut and stolen along the Eastern Main Road. In a release issued by TSTT’s Communications Depart-ment, it was stated that the theft took place in the D’Abadie area, affecting customers between D’Abadie and Piarco.

The interruption has left customers in Bon Air East, D’Abadie, Piarco Old Road and environs unable to make or receive calls or access their internet services. TSTT is said to be working to replace the cables so that service may be restored by 4 pm today. Also thousands of Mobile customers remained without the use of their cell phones for most of yesterday. TSTT’s Corporate Communications Officer Rae Ann Harper-Walters issued a statement, indicating that the problem arose as a result of upgrading work being carried out on the pre-paid platform.

According to the release, works had been completed from 5 am yesterday. However, for most of yesterday, mobile customers were still unable to make or receive calls. Customers also encountered problems sending text messages and recharging their accounts as well. The release from TSTT also indicated that yesterday’s power failure may have also contributed to the problems at cell sites. Up to press time, the GSM site at Cascade was still without electricity and as a result, customers in that area would have experienced problems making and receiving phone calls. TSTT apologised for the inconvenience.