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IT&E updates on communications services
IT&E announced yesterday that Internet, landlines, and wireless services are all operational on Saipan.
According to a statement the company issued yesterday, it said initial reports are that the recently repaired undersea fiber cable was unaffected by Typhoon Soudelor. However, a number of antennae sites on Saipan and Tinian are offline due to the loss of commercial power. Data, voice, and SMS services are functioning at a decreased capacity because of the inactive antennae sites.
All IT&E sites operate on commercial power. Pending CUC recovery, IT&E main sites are on backup generator power with more generators being deployed to charge battery banks at remote sites, the statement said.
IT&E has cell sites teams working on some backhaul issues, which may cause some call congestion.
All phone line infrastructure is underground. Businesses, residents, and government agencies that use cordless phones can use them if they have backup power. If not, a corded phone, which does not require power, must be utilized in order to make and receive calls.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Saipan as they recover from this devastating typhoon. We at IT&E are committed to helping in any way we can with the recovery effort and ensuring that repairs are made as quickly as possible to keep our customers connected with loved ones in Saipan and abroad” said IT&E CEO, Jim Oehlerking.
IT&E will provide further updates as they become available. (IT&E)
