Rogers Communications Inc. says it had begun restoring service Friday evening, after a nationwide wireless and internet outage left B.C. services and businesses scrambling.
“Our wireless services are starting to recover and our technical teams are working hard to get everyone back online as quickly as possible,” the company said in a statement shortly after 6 p.m.
“As our services and traffic volumes return to normal, we will continue to keep our customers updated. As previously announced, we will be proactively crediting all customers and will share more information on that process soon.”
Rogers users across Canada began reporting connection problems Friday morning, with both cellular and internet services impacted.
Of critical importance, in B.C., E-Comm, the 911 provider said Rogers customers were having an issue calling them.
The company said those who have an emergency should try calling 911 first. If the call fails, they should try again from a landline or cellphone with another provider.
They are asking everyone to refrain from test calling 911 to see if it works as they need to keep the lines open for emergencies.
Interac Debit and Interac eTransfer was also affected by the Rogers network outage. The company said in a tweet that Debit was unavailable online and at checkouts.
The Canadian Border Services Agency said travellers arriving to Canada are also being affected by this outage.
Border information services 1-800 numbers are currently out of service. Callers trying to reach them can use the following local numbers:
BIS: 1-204-983-3500 or 1-506-636-5064
TRC: 1-905-679-2073
Travellers may also not be able to use their ArriveCAN app.
Impacted travellers are required to submit their information using the Traveller Contact Information Form, to be completed prior to arrival at the border if unable to submit via ArriveCAN, the organization states.
The City of Prince George warned residents the outage could affect their attempts to pay property tax, which was due Friday.
It said the service interruption meant owners could not pay their taxes with debit, and that anyone looking to pay would have to use cash, cheque or bank draft.
The city added it could not extend the payment due date because of provincial legislation.
ICBC also reported customer services may be impacted.
In addition, those looking for roadside assistance with BCAA may find services delayed.
The company said in a tweet it was aware of the issue and was working to provide help.
TransLink has also reminded riders Friday that Compass machines will not be accepting debit as payment due to the Rogers outage.
Commuters could still pay by credit or debit or reload their Compass cards at home.
BC Ferries said it has received some reports of issues at terminals with customers trying to process payments.
The company said, for the most part, cards were still working but “ongoing issues” were still being reported.
In addition, charitable organizations have reported an issue with people being able to call them.
The MS Society of Canada, BC and Yukon said the outage was affecting its toll-free numbers but there were other ways to contact them.
Comments