C&W commits to full connection by January

Cable and Wireless Vice
President of Network
Services Albert Anderson

Friday, November 5, 2004

All customers’ telephone systems will be back to normal by the beginning of 2005 says Cable & Wireless. The commitment to have all its telephone systems up and running comes at a time when eighty-five percent of the exchange capacity is functioning.

The company has placed its Vice President of Network Services Albert Anderson to head its restoration efforts after the devastation of hurricane Ivan.

“Some telephone exchanges were badly damaged by flooding and are presently being replaced,” Mr. Anderson outlined. “Mainly the ones at Seven Mile Beach and Industrial Park.”

One of the biggest hurdles faced by the telecommunications company in restoring its services is transport. “Vehicles have proven to be one of our major challenges and we were forced to use rental vehicles,” added Mr Anderson. “But we now have arrangements in place to take care of that problem so though not as many Cable & Wireless vehicles are seen around, we are working.”

To assist in the rapid restoration of all services Cable & Wireless rehired some of its former workers and also entered into a contract with a company in Florida known as Mastec who will be arriving here soon.

Speaking on the progress made so far Mr Anderson said: “We have more network capacity due to the increase usage of mobile phones, also increased mobile GSM capacity and more equipment is being installed to meet the demand and in terms of actual coverage we are back to where we were before hurricane Ivan.”

The staff came in for high praise by the restoration chief: “Our teams have done a great job. No one complained and they continue to be outstanding day by day,” he commented.

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