by Colleen Barilae – EMTV, Lae
Internet services for voice and data information in Lae has been congested for the past 6 days.
Business houses in Lae will be experiencing slow internet services, due to the disruption caused by three fallen power poles between the Gusap area, and Madang along the Lae Madang Highway.
The Momase Regional Manager for Telikom Steven Leva said the company is working on the problem, but how soon full services will be restored, also depends on how good or bad the weather is.
“Telikom PNG wishes to advise our valued customers that data and voice services between Lae and Madang will be affected for an indefinite period due to the weather conditions which has affected our transmission cables”, Mr. Leva said.
The power poles, which carry fibre optic cables for Telikom between Lae and Madang, are believed to have fallen after the heavy rains and floods that washed areas of Kesowai, Dumpu, Sausi, Assas and Naru in Madang last week.
“Currently Telikom PNG and PNG Power are working together to fix this technical problem”, said Mr. Leva.
Last week in Madang, five bridges were confirmed to have been washed away by floods following heavy rains in the Ramu area.
Today, Telikom confirmed the wet weather has also resulted in the damage of one of its property, leaving many internet users affected by the situation.
As the weather continues to change, internet users in Lae and Madang will remain affected by slow and intermittent voice and data services.