Digicel, Flow say networks ready amid potential tropical storm

By Racquel Porter   

 

Jamaica's two major telecommunications providers, Digicel and Flow, say they have readied their networks for the potential tropical storm.

 

The Meteorological Service has said the Area of Low Pressure over the west-central Caribbean Sea has become better organised and is now a Tropical Depression.

 

It is continuing the Tropical Storm Warning for Jamaica as the system has the potential to further develop into a tropical storm later on Monday.

 

In a media release on Monday morning, Flow said it had completed rigorous network-readiness and resilience measures.

 

It said on Sunday evening, it activated its Local Crisis Management Team, which is responsible for preparing customers, staff, and its network infrastructure during the period leading up to, during and immediately following a disaster.

 

Flow said its stores across the island will close at 1:00 p.m. Monday to allow its teams to adequately prepare for the impending weather conditions.

 

Meanwhile, Elon Parkinson, head of Communications and Corporate Affairs at Digicel, said having readied its network, people, and resources, the company has transitioned to full preparation mode for the potential tropical storm. 

 

"Specifically, Digicel has ensured that all of our cell sites and our fiber optic installations across the island are in good order and ready to go. We have been busy working on messages to our customers and the wider public to prepare, get ready. We've also been collaborating with our key disaster preparedness stakeholders including ODPEM, first responders and even our competitor because we're taking an all hands approach to Jamaica's response," he said. 

 

Mr. Parkinson urged Jamaicans to take steps to ensure their safety, "stock up on basic items, secure your homes, keep your phones charged and topped up so that you can keep in touch with your loved ones throughout".