The Tribune

CABLE Bahamas will be carrying out emergency fibre optic re-routing exercises in various communities in western New Providence beginning today.

The work, which is scheduled to end Tuesday, March 26, has become necessary due to the ongoing Airport Gateway road project, the company said.

“This extensive work will affect cable subscribers from Indigo Estates to Old Fort Bay in the western portion of New Providence,” said Cable Bahamas in a statement.

“The work schedule has been designed to minimise disruption to services.

Work will commence 9pm tonight, and at 11pm every other night of the relocation project.

Services will be restored to homes as work progresses through the early morning hours, the company said.

“All cable-based services including cable TV, Internet and voice services will be interrupted while this work is being carried out in each area,” the statement said.

The primary focus will be along a six-mile segment of JFK Drive, starting at the new roundabout at Bethel Avenue, heading west, and ending at Lynden Pindling International Airport.

“This fibre optic cable rerouting process is caused by a diversion associated with the road works tied to the Airport Gateway Project. Over a six-night period, Cable Bahamas will move the individual fibre optic feed serving the communities in the western portion of New Providence,” the company said.

“This fibre optic cable rerouting process became necessary due to frequent cable cuts associated with the road works tied to the Airport Gateway Project. These cuts have occurred due to contractors failing to comply with proper procedures, thereby forcing Cable Bahamas to relocate the existing fibre optic route to protect the vital services that are provided to its subscribers.”

David Burrows, head of marketing for Cable Bahamas, added: “This ongoing damage by the road works associated with the Airport Gateway project, as many of residents know, has happened at least eight times over the past two years.

“Our customers that have services delivered by this thoroughfare are frustrated and unhappy with how their services have been affected, and they have every right to be.

“But the end of these interruptions is in sight. When this work is completed, our subscribers can expect the consistent level of service that they deserve.”

Upon completion on March 26, the new fibre cables will be housed along a secure route that has been installed, and this should protect the cable company’s network from future damage, it said.

By redirecting these vital fibre optic links, Cable Bahamas believes these incidents can be significantly reduced or eliminated completely.