9-1-1 service was down across the territory last night

Thursday, 13 May 2021 14:10

By Dylan MacNeil

A broken fiber cable caused internet, phone, and tv disruptions.

Last night, a damaged fiber cable in northern B.C caused disruptions to internet, long-distance phone and television services across the Yukon. Northwestel says road construction was the cause.

9-1-1 service was also down in the territory. Yukon Protective Services encouraged people to call the Whitehorse dispatch to be connected with their local detachment. Residents were also told to contact the RCMP if they needed an ambulance.

Ambulances were staffed in Whitehorse at the Canada Games Centre, Porter Creek Mall and Qwanlin Mall as a precautionary measure.

CHONFM asked Northwestel if the 9-1-1 system is connected to their infrastructure.

“We certainly play a part in that. I can’t speak for 9-1-1 services directly. We were able to test, at least on our landline phones, calls were going through. That doesn’t mean that every call could go through. There could be cell providers where calls weren’t available or other things that might have been happening. What I can say is that landline service was available and local calls were going through. We’re working with our partners today to fully understand the impact across several complex systems.” Said Northwestel Director of Communications Andrew Anderson in response.

Northwestel says that last night, telecommunication was being handled by their microwave network, which has a limited capacity.

The company says the fiber line that was damaged is a main connection for the Yukon. They are working with the Yukon government on what they call the “Canada North Fiber Loop.” The project would see fiber built in a loop along the Dempster Highway. If there is a break in the loop, the signal could flow in another direction.

Disruptions started around 2:30 in the afternoon. A Facebook status posted by Yukon Protective Services was updated at 8:45 this morning, saying that service was restored.

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