Telecom service is slowly coming back, with ups and downs in service return, after a massive crash earlier today.
Bell, Telus, Virgin and Koodo cell service had all crashed across Atlantic Canada as they all shared the same Bell network system.
There were also reports of land-line services of Bell telephone also not working, neither was FiberOp services such as television and FiberOp telephone.
Social media, including Twitter and Facebook, were lit up with complaints from customers and businesses affected by the outages.
According to the website www.canadianoutages.com, thousands of report of outages had been made throughout Atlantic Canada, as well as Montreal and Toronto areas.
Customers calling Bell Aliant were greeted with a voicemail message, indicating the company was experiencing technical difficulties and suggesting people call back later.
Just before noon, Bell Aliant posted on its Twitter account, “We're aware of an issue impacting our services and are currently investigating to restore. Thank you for your patience."
Earlier:
Social reaction: from #BellCellHell to #QuietNL
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary tweeted that due to the technical problems with Bell, 911 service was interrupted.
“Some people are able to call 911, but some who are getting through are calling just to see if it works and they’re bogging up the lines,” RNC Const. Geoff Higdon told The Telegram today.
“We’re asking people to use the 911 service for emergencies only.”
Meanwhile, the RNC said it’s working on another solution for people to get through to police.
A news release form the St. John’s Regional Department said in the event that residents are experiencing problems and require emergency assistance, they use mobile phone, a neighbour’s phone, a pay phone or go to the nearest fire department in person.
RCMP on Prince Edward Island report they are now on a heightened alert due to the disruption in 911 service. As well, loss of business services like ATMs and some debit networks are being reported.
Cell users in Nova Scotia say they began losing service at about 10:30 a.m. AT, with calls being dropped or owners unable to get a connection.
Telus confirmed on its forum Friday afternoon that the problem originated with Bell.
"The issue has been determined to be on the Bell network but is also affecting TELUS clients. Bell technicians are working to fix this ASAP. Check back here for updates."
The root cause, the forum reported, was a fibre cut on the Bell network, first discovered at 9:52 a.m. ET.
The Office of the Chief Information Officer in Newfoundland and Labrador has said in a release that services such as the OCIO service desk, Motor Registration Division and the Medical Care Plan have all been affected.
Also in St. John's, Eastern Health is advising residents in need of an ambulance in the metro region to head to the nearest emergency department, RNC headquarters or fire department.
Eastern Health ambulances are now stationed at these locations throughout the metro region for emergency response, and for residents who can't reach 911.
St. John's International Airport tweeted that the outages in Canada are slowing down operations. They are advising anyone with a scheduled flight to check with their airlines for up-to-date flight info.
Meanwhile, Halifax airport is reporting delays for all arrivals and departures.
