Red Deer’s big melt has left residents with patchy phone service and slow data since early Monday morning.
Telus spokesperson Chris Gerritsen said ice and water have damaged some of their cables which is causing shorts along the lines.
Gerritsen said less than 100 voice customers were affected, mostly in north Red Deer near Gaetz Avenue and 71st Street.
He had no clear numbers of customers who were experiencing problems using data.
Parkland Mall was one of the several businesses that experienced trouble with the phone lines.
Gerritsen said some residents were receiving no dial tones or noise on the line. Data has been intermittent or not at all.
“It’s all hands on deck in Red Deer right now,” he said. “We’ve brought in hydrovacs to pump out water out of the manhole. Mother Nature has done a number on us in that spot.”
Gerritsen said crews are working hard to dry and prepare the cables and service will restored once the work is completed.
“We really appreciate our customers’ support and understanding,” said Gerritsen. “We are working as fast as we can to get those cables dry.”
The trouble started around 6:55 a.m. on Monday.