Moe outage leaves 200 without phones, internet

About 200 Telstra customers in Moe have been without phone and internet since Saturday afternoon after a major fault the company believes was caused by a heavy vehicle taking out machinery on Narracan Drive.

Telstra said in a statement it was still investigating the cause of the outage, but it was believed the heavy vehicle drove over a service pit by the side of the road, breaking the lid and causing it to fall onto the cables below.

As a result, the company has to replace 200 metres of damaged cable and individually reconnect the 2000 wires.

Services are expected to be progressively restored by 7pm Thursday.

Telstra eastern Victoria area general manager Loretta Willaton said residential and business customers were affected by the outage.

“Telstra crews are currently undertaking repairs to a large copper mains cable in Moe that was damaged on Saturday afternoon, affecting fixed line and internet services to residential and business properties,” Ms Willaton said.

“Telstra apologises for those customers currently affected and we are working around the clock to undertake repairs.”

Telstra has advised customers who are affected by the outage to phone 132 200 and report the issue.

The company said it would offer interim services such as diverting customers’ fixed line telephone services to a mobile while repairs are undertaken.