Additional telecoms technicians have been flown in to Bermuda to help retain communications during Hurricane Gonzalo, Digicel has announced.

The company said its hurricane contigency plan was in effect and things were in place to best manage the storm.

Digicel is also working with the emergency services and critical response agencies to ensure they have priority access to communications.

Free text messages with hurricane alerts and safety information will be sent to customers in coordination with the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO).

“We have done everything possible to prepare for Gonzalo — our cell sites are checked, stocked and ready, and our technical team and field engineers will be mobilised across the Island. We’ve even flown in an additional technician to help in our preparation,” said Digicel chief executive Alistair Beak.

Digicel said it had been working around the clock to restore service after Tropical Storm Fay and to prepare the network for Hurricane Gonzalo.

“Our network coverage is now up to 99 percent with a noticed increase of calls being made and mobile internet use than even before the storm,” Mr Beak said. “Presumably, everyone is discussing and sharing their Fay experiences as well as getting the latest updates on Gonzalo.

“I’d like to thank all of our customers and corporate clients for their patience since Sunday morning. I’m really proud of the hard work and commitment shown by the entire Digicel team this week that have brought our services so close to 100 percent after only a few days of Fay’s unexpected wrath.”

Telecoms equipment and experts will be on standby overseas to assist if necessary and will remain available to Bermuda for emergency supplies if required.

“Our primary concern is the safety of our customers and our staff and that we keep people connected to friends and family no matter what,” Mr Beak said.

Digicel will close its stores by 3pm tomorrow and is currently expecting to reopen on Monday. Customer Care teams will continue 24/7 on 500-5000.

Meanwhile, CellOne said this afternoon its 4G and CDMA networks were back up and running at 100 percent, with 2G at 95 percent.

Technicians are continuing to work on remaining issues for 2G to make it fully operational.

CellOne’s head office, business solutions office and stores in Hamilton, Heron Bay and St George’s will close at noon tomorrow.

“We want to remind customers to ensure they have taken the necessary steps to prepare for Hurricane Gonzalo,” said chief executive Frank Amaral. “This is a stressful time for Bermuda and the safety of everyone is the number one concern. We will support customers to the best of our ability through it all.”

The administrative offices and stores will remain closed until Monday pending the outcome of Hurricane Gonzalo.

The 24/7 Customer Care Centre will remain available on 700-7000 or use the Live Chat feature at www.cellone.bm