The Tribune

THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company Limited continues to work feverishly towards 100 per cent network restoration following Hurricane Matthew.

BTC CEO Leon Williams said: “This is the second time in 12 months that we are working to restore services as a result of a natural disaster.

“However, continued upgrades and advancements mitigated against the potentially catastrophic impact that we could have received. Our teams have been fully mobilised since Friday and we are committed to restoring services to every customer as soon as possible.

“We are pleased with the performance of the network during the storm. Since the last storm, we focused our efforts on building not just a network that covers every island rock and cay, but we wanted a more resilient network.”

Since the storm, BTC said the mobile networks in Acklins, San Salvador, Mayaguana, Ragged Island and Rum Cay are at 100 per cent performance levels. While BTC was able to provide customers with service through the storm in all islands, post storm efforts are focused on optimising the networks in islands like New Providence, Exuma, Abaco and Long Island.

BTC said since its last update, basic mobile and fixed line services have been restored in North Andros. As a result of the repairs to the Nicholls Town site that was damaged in the storm, customers in Lowe Sound can use their mobile phones to make contact with their loved ones, BTC said.

The BTC cell sites in the Berry Islands also received massive damage during the storm. “However, we are pleased to report that as of this morning (Thursday), we were able to restore services in Bullocks Harbour. Due to the extent of the damage, in Chub Cay and Stirrup Cay, parts had to be sourced and shipped. The BTC first responder teams are on island and will be working vigorously through the weekend to restore services.

“In addition to network restorations, BTC is committed to leading the corporate charge and provide aid to its customers. Prior to the storm, BTC provided customers with “triple bubble” to give them extra credit during the storm.

“After the storm, BTC gave every customer $5 in free credit and yesterday, BTC took to the street in its Retail Bus to provide TopUp, charging stations and water to residents impacted by the storm.”

BTC encourages the public to report all issues to CALL-BTC (225-5282) or on its social media pages.