Dear Customers,
We know that many customers are affected by the storms and everyone is getting together to repair things as soon as possible.
Here is a quick update from the telecommunications networks across the country:
Network field teams have been working with Emergency Services to access priority Network sites – exchange buildings and network sites – to refuel emergency generators and recharge back-up batteries. This has enabled carriers to restore PSTN, Mobile and ADSL services in a number of areas across North Queensland, South-East Queensland and Northern NSW. The progressive return of commercial power will continue to assist with service restoration.
Current impact
There are current impacts to the following services.
- Flood waters are expected to peak at nine metres in Rockhampton later this week. There are a number of preparation works that are underway at the Rockhampton exchange and surrounding mobiles infrastructure sites. Additional generators and fuel are being placed at each site, and sandbagging is occurring to protect network assets.
- Areas currently with the largest PTSN impact are: (Central Qld) Cannon, Cannonvale, Mackay, Dalrymple Heights and Slade Point. (SE Qld) Beenleigh, Tingalpa, Jimboomba, Bethania and Eudlo. (Nth NSW) Uki, Ocean Shores, Murwillumbah.
- Areas currently with the largest ADSL impact are: (Central Qld) Marian, Cannonvale, Moranbah and Queensbeach. (SE Qld) Mount Glorious and Jimboomba. (Nth NSW) Uki.
- Some of the impacted mobile sites are: (Central Qld) Brandon, Farleigh, Joes Hill, Shute Harbour and Slade Point. (SE Qld) Deception Bay South, Willawong, Burbank West, Marsden and Slacks Creek. (Nth NSW) Alstonville..
Restoration activities
Network field techs have been able to reach several areas that have not been accessible because of flooding or debris on the roads. We expect there will be a lot of water damage to Telstra infrastructure that feeds customers’ services (across all network providers) – cables will be severed and washed away and pits and cabinets are likely to be submerged in water.
While network technicians will be working as quickly as possible to restore these services, it may take some time. A number of road closures remain in place and there is still a lot of debris and other hazards on the roads. The safety of staff people is the number one priority for the networks, and as soon as it is safe to reach these areas their teams will do so.
In addition to the existing field workforce that are based in the areas impacted by the Cyclone, carriers & networkds have mobilised a number of technicians from other parts of Northern Queensland to assist with the recovery and restoration efforts. In the coming days they will look to bring more field resources from other States.
We will keep you updated on the progress of this event, and as always we are here to help anyway we can. So please reach out if you have any questions, concerns or simply need advice on back-up or redirections options available to your business..