Our Telekom engineers are working around the clock to restore services
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
Telecommunications services across Western and Choiseul provinces have been severely disrupted following the onslaught of Cyclone Maila, leaving several rural communities cut off from vital communication links.
Telecommunications provider Our Telekom confirmed in a statement this week that key network infrastructure suffered extensive
damage during the height of the cyclone, particularly from lightning strikes and strong winds.
The outage has raised serious concerns over emergency communication and the flow of local trade, as affected communities struggle
without reliable mobile and data services.
Initial technical assessments indicate that high-altitude relay equipment sustained the most damage.
In Western Province, parts of Vella La Vella including Karaka, Boro and Tuzu are experiencing partial to total service loss.
Similarly, in Choiseul Province, affected areas include Kandova, Lengatura, Kumanibae, Varunga and Sambe.
“Our key network hardware was heavily
impacted by lightning,” a Telekom spokesperson said.
“Technical teams are now working around the clock to deliver replacement equipment to these remote locations, though rough sea conditions are slowing down efforts.”
Reports from the Shortland Islands on the far western border indicate that connectivity remains extremely poor.
Residents said mobile services are unreliable, with calls failing to connect and messages delayed for hours.
Villagers at Buri on Rannonggah said, the service has been also affected with services unstable.
The outage poses risks for maritime safety and border communication in the region.
Our Telekom has apologised for the disruption, acknowledging the challenges faced by families trying to reconnect in the aftermath of the cyclone.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.
Communication is critical, especially after a disaster like Cyclone Maila, and we are doing everything possible to restore services,” the company said.
As of Thursday evening, repair teams were waiting for improved weather conditions to access transmission towers in Vella La Vella.
Authorities are advising residents to rely on local radio for updates as restoration work continues.
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