Hurricane Maria causes telecoms blackouts in US Caribbean territories

Some 95.2% and 76.6% of mobile cell sites are out of service in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, respectively, as a result of damage caused by Hurricane Maria, according to a report from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The report, dated September 21, compiled information reported to the FCC Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS), though said that the status update was incomplete because not all providers have reported to the DIRS.

At the time the report was published, in Puerto Rico, 48 out of 78 counties had 100% of their cell sites out of service, while in the US Virgin Islands, 60% of all sites were down.

The FCC has also received reports that large numbers of consumers are without cable or wireline services.

DOMINICA

In related news, Cable & Wireless Communications said on Thursday that it had partially restored the mobile network on the island of Dominica, which was hit by the category 5 hurricane on Monday.

Customers with access to internet were advised to monitor social media and listen to local radio stations for updates on restoration efforts.

Competitor Digicel said in a statement on Friday that it was sending supplies and technical equipment and personnel to Dominica from neighboring St Lucia.

"As soon as we had clearance, we immediately dispatched additional technical, engineering and rigging teams to Dominica, and they are currently working around the clock to restore coverage," said Vanessa Slowey, CEO for Digicel Caribbean and Central America.

The impact of Hurricane Maria has also been felt in Brazil, with damage to the Sparkle submarine cable, which connects Brazil to the US via the Caribbean.