By Nate Smith, Staff Writer
Technology took a step backward in the area for most of Thursday when a cut fiber optic cable left computers shut down and many networks and essential functions, like 911, out of service until midafternoon.
Throughout Thursday reports that AT&T; lines were down came via credit card readers, ATMs and Internet providers — not just in Daviess County, but in Knox and Greene counties, too. Although local phone lines were operational, many data connections that use the high capacity fiber optic line were not working.
Thursday morning, the Daviess County Sheriff’s department issued special instructions because 911 was down throughout the county. Those with emergencies were asked to call the department or to visit their local fire departments.
Knox County also reported their 911 service was also temporarily down, but Martin County reported their 911 service was operational throughout the day. Some reported when dialing 911, they received the Indiana State Police post in Jasper. The Greene County Daily World reported that Linton police and the Greene County Sheriff’s Department also had communication trouble. Naval Weapons Support Center Crane reported through a spokesman there were no troubles with their service.
Some businesses could not use credit or debit cards and some could not process checks, leaving those to use cash for purchases. At Wal-Mart Supercenter, the county’s largest retailer, phone lines were busy and debit and credit cards could not be processed, according to customers in the store.
“We had no phone coverage going in or out,” Supercenter Manager Kevin Maerkl said. “I think it went better than we thought it was going to be.”
Maerkl said communications within the store was one of the most difficult consequences of the fiber loss as items that had to be weighed and labeled were lost to the data shrink.
AT&T; spokesperson Jackie Janus said Thursday the disruption occurred when a third-party contractor cut a line near the Edwardsport area. At about 2:20 p.m., service was restored and 911 services became operational again.
