TMCnet News
Verizon looks to have phone lines fixed by 4 a.m.May 26, 2011 (The Bradenton Herald - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- A major line break of Verizon fiber lines has disrupted land line and cell phone service Thursday for an estimated 3,600 customers in Myakka and East Manatee. Crews were working to restore the lines and expected them to be running by 4 a.m. Friday, according to Bob Elek, media relations manager with Verizon. "It's isolated to that area," Elek said. "They'll work till they have it right." Manatee County Emergency Communications Center reported that customers with a 322 exchange -- the first three digits after an area code -- could call and receive calls from others with the same exchange, but they couldn't dial other numbers, including 911. Manatee County Public Safety Department advised that anyone who couldn't dial 911 with an emergency should seek help at the Myakka Fire Department at 10215 Wauchula Rd. Customers with a 322 exchange were told to call the fire department at 322-6523 for assistance. Some western parts of Myakka were able to make 911 cell calls, but the eastern part of Myakka couldn't make any cell calls. Elek, said the fiber was cut by a crew working 6 to 7 miles east of Interstate 75 on Fruitville Road. Elek added that it was not a Verizon crew. Myakka resident and Verizon customer Becky Canesse said she noticed her phones were not working early Thursday and originally thought it was due to the weather. "I'm not concerned," she said. "We find them to be a reliable company and I know they are working hard." To see more of The Bradenton Herald or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.bradenton.com. Copyright (c) 2011, The Bradenton Herald, Fla. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com. |