David Hall - Contributed Digicel yesterday said that it was the only network with functioning sites in all 14 parishes following the passage of Hurricane Dean. "Our hurricane preparedness measures allowed us to maintain the stability of our core network across the island," said Digicel's CEO, David Hall.
Over 70 per cent of Digicel's customer base was able to stay connected right throughout the hurricane, the company said in a news release. Within 24 hours after the hurricane hit, Digicel said over 75 per cent of customers returned to normality, and almost all operations have now been regularised.
Power supply assistance
In order to assist its customers, Digicel has established 17 power supply stations across the island where phones can be recharged free of cost. Two Digicel power trucks will also be visiting areas of Jamaica providing the same essential service for the rest of the week. Yesterday, the truck visited areas such as Papine, Cross Roads, Half-Way Tree; Grants Pen, downtown Kingston and and Three Miles. The company has urged customers to walk with their chargers.
Digicel said that six of its sites were affected by the hurricane: Catherine's Peak, in St. Andrew; Huntley and Air Hill, in Manchester; Planters Hall, in St. Catherine; Berry Hill, in St. Mary; and Yallahs Hill, in St. Thomas.
The Catherine's Peak site was restored late Monday evening. Digicel anticipates that Huntley, Air Hill and Planters should be fully functional before the end of yesterday. The company said that Yallahs Hill had proven a challenge because that area of Jamaica was hardest hit by the hurricane, and roads to get to the site were impassable. This service is expected to be returned within the next 24 hours.
"Loss of power was never an issue this year - Digicel had taken precautionary measures included installing generators to power its over 1000 sites, so sites are still running at their maximum capacity despite power outages," said the company, "Digicel extends its sympathy to those affected by the hurricane, and has committed to helping in the rebuilding process."
