Phones down on Orcas… cell phone service, too

Published 9:20 am Thursday, April 26, 2012

— From the San Juan County/Town of Friday Harbor Department of Emergency Management

According to CenturyLink, an as of yet unidentified equipment malfunction in Eastsound has cut off some, and possible all landline and cell phone service both to and from Orcas Island, including 911 access.

At this time, all other islands are unaffected.

A CenturyLink technician is currently en route to Orcas from Friday Harbor via airplane.

A San Juan County amateur radio network is in the process of being established between the Eastsound, Olga, and Deer Harbor fire stations and county dispatch in Friday Harbor, and should be fully operational in no more than 30 minutes (as of 9:07 a.m.).

Anyone needing 911 assistance should go to one of these locations, keeping in mind that the Eastsound station is the best choice, depending on proximity and urgency.