As Tropical Storm Melissa edges closer to Jamaica, Digicel has initiated its emergency operations protocols to safeguard network continuity, reassuring customers that the company is fully mobilized to maintain services during the storm’s impact.
The telecommunications provider announced that critical infrastructure — including major fibre corridors, mobile towers, and data hubs — have been storm-hardened and are now supported by generator backup and fuel reserves. Technical crews have been placed on standby in high-risk zones across the island, with regional response teams deployed to ensure swift recovery in the event of disruptions.
But with rising concerns about malicious interference and recent cases of cable sabotage, Digicel is shifting part of its storm strategy to the public.
“Our biggest risk is no longer just the weather,” said a senior executive at Digicel. “In recent months, deliberate damage to our infrastructure has posed a serious threat to connectivity. We’re urging all Jamaicans to remain watchful—not just of the storm, but of anyone tampering with telecom lines or equipment.”
According to internal reports, repeated attacks on fibre lines in key urban corridors caused major service blackouts during peak usage periods — with cascading effects on mobile, broadband, and TV services. These acts, the company warns, are particularly dangerous during national emergencies when access to communication can be life-saving.
To that end, Digicel is calling on customers to act as community guardians. Any suspicious activity involving telecom infrastructure should be reported to Digicel support or local police immediately.
The company is also reminding customers to:
- Keep phones and devices fully charged ahead of power outages
- Top up accounts and activate mobile plans early
- Follow updates from ODPEM and the Meteorological Service
- Secure modems and routers away from flood-prone areas
“All our systems are being closely monitored, and our teams are prepared to intervene as long as conditions allow,” the executive added. “But ultimately, preserving connectivity is a national effort — and our best defence is an informed, alert public.”
Digicel reaffirmed that it remains committed to supporting Jamaicans through every stage of the storm, reinforcing that safeguarding the nation’s communication lifeline requires both technical preparedness and community participation.
