MP CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION ON INTERNET AND PHONE SIGNAL OUTAGES AFTER STORM ÉOWYN

Carla Lockhart MP • February 5, 2025

Residents across Upper Bann continue to experience widespread internet and phone signal disruptions in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn, with many left without essential connectivity for days. MP for Upper Bann, Carla Lockhart, has been working closely with providers including Fibrus, O2, BT, Sky, Openreach, and Vodafone to ensure services are restored as quickly as possible. 

Speaking on the issue, Carla Lockhart MP said: 


"Reliable internet and phone connections are no longer a luxury – they are an essential part of daily life for work, education, and staying connected with loved ones. The impact of these ongoing outages across Upper Bann is deeply frustrating for residents, and I have been pressing providers to act with urgency to resolve these issues.


The volume of complaints I have received highlights just how widespread this problem is. I want to assure constituents that I am actively engaging with service providers to push for swift repairs and better communication with affected customers."


Residents who have been without internet for more than 48 hours may be entitled to compensation from Fibrus. Eligible customers can apply at: [https://fibrus.com/compensation-claim/](https://fibrus.com/compensation-claim/). Claims must be submitted within 30 days of service being restored, and compensation will be applied to bills. 


Carla Lockhart MP added: 


"While I welcome Fibrus’ compensation scheme, the focus must remain on ensuring that these outages are addressed swiftly. I will continue to monitor the situation closely and push for improvements, not just in response times but also in the resilience of our local infrastructure to prevent future disruptions." 


Residents experiencing ongoing issues are encouraged to report them directly to their service provider and to contact Carla Lockhart MP’s office with their full address, postcode, contact number, and provider details to assist with follow-up actions. 

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