An announcement from Qwest (News - Alert) Communications has stated that they are trying to protect their Iowa’s telecommunications network by deploying additional personal and equipment following the surprise, historic statewide flooding.

 

For the first time in recent history, the Cedar River has flooded the city, and Iowa is faced with many problems and one among them is the disturbance of communications link.

 

Qwest offers a combination of broadband, video and voice solutions for residential customers, businesses and government agencies. Customers coast to coast turn to Qwest's national fiber optic network to meet their evolving communications and entertainment needs.

 

Floodwaters have entered Qwest facilities and the company is trying hard to pump out the water with the help of dozens of additional pumps and generators, as well as large equipment. Qwest technicians from neighboring states were also brought in to help.

 

Isolated 911 outages have been reported and back-up plans have been implemented to re-route emergency traffic.

 

“Keeping our fellow Iowans connected, especially during a crisis like this, is our top priority. I’m proud of the work that’s been done to preserve the network and maintain critical communications,” said Max Phillips, Qwest state president for Iowa.

 

“Being able to reach family … or a disaster relief agency … has never been more essential. That’s why we’ll continue to work 24 hours a day as we brace for even more flooding,” Phillips emphasized.

 

The main Qwest central office seems to be unaffected by the floods and it is fully operational but the Cedar Rapids facility is flooded and people are vacated from there. The problem Qwest claims is this evacuated facility holds the key broadband and other telecommunications services link to residential and business customers.

 

Qwest technicians are making sure that these disturbances are rectified soon, as many subscribers in eastern Iowa are already getting slower internet speeds because of the flooded facility. However, even at this time, there is no projected time for these services to be restored.

 

Qwest is offering free Call Forwarding to customers in Iowa impacted by flood damages. Call Forwarding enables customers to have calls automatically forwarded to another phone number. Qwest customers who have been impacted can call 1-800-573-1311 to set up Call Forwarding free of charge.