CenturyLink Is Working Around the Clock to Restore Communications

SAN JUAN ISLANDS, Wash. and SEATTLE, Nov. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- CenturyLink crews are working around the clock to repair the severed fiber optic cable causing a network outage impacting the San Juan Islands. CenturyLink crews, which have dedicated more than 1,000 hours, have temporarily restored local, long distance, Internet, and 911 services in partnership with OPALCO (Orcas Power and Light Cooperative). 

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CenturyLink has deployed resources from across the state to assist in the repair of the fiber cable, which is more than two miles in length and rests at a depth of 250 feet. CenturyLink has brought in international experts who initially helped deploy the fiber to the Islands to help pinpoint the issue. At this time, the reason for the cut is still unknown.

In addition to the on-site team, CenturyLink has brought in additional resources, including a team of expert divers, three tug boats, two remote operating vessels, and two barges. The barges, which are between the coast of Pear Point off of San Juan Island and Fisherman's Bay located on Lopez Island, have cranes and splicing equipment.

"CenturyLink's priority is to fully restore communications as quickly as possible," said Tim Grigar, CenturyLink vice president and general manager for western Washington. "We appreciate our customers' patience while we work to resolve this issue."

About CenturyLink
CenturyLink is the third largest telecommunications company in the United States and is recognized as a leader in the network services market by technology industry analyst firms. The company is a global leader in cloud infrastructure and hosted IT solutions for enterprise customers. CenturyLink provides data, voice and managed services in local, national and select international markets through its high-quality advanced fiber optic network and multiple data centers for businesses and consumers. The company also offers advanced entertainment services under the CenturyLink® Prism™ TV and DIRECTV brands. Headquartered in Monroe, La., CenturyLink is an S&P 500 company and is included among the Fortune 500 list of America's largest corporations. For more information, visit www.centurylink.com.

SOURCE CenturyLink