London police are asking the public to stop calling 9-1-1 to check if their phones are working, although they say Rogers customers have been able to contact police for real emergencies. “We can say we’ve had a number of people call 9-1-1 to test their phone,” said Const. Sandasha Bough. “Please don’t do that. It’s tying up our system for people who need immediate emergency help.” Rogers customers are reporting network problems across the country. Many in London have been left without wireless, internet, cable and landline access. We know how important it is for our customers to stay connected. We are aware of issues currently affecting our networks and our teams are fully committed to resolving the issue as soon as possible. We will continue to update you as we have more information to share. —@AboutRogers London Hydro reported that its telephone system is down due to the Rogers outage. “We appreciate your patience while this matter is looked into and encourage you to contact us once Rogers Networks has been restored,” London Hydro tweeted on Friday morning.
Hospital systems are not affected
A London Health Sciences Center (LHSC) spokesman said the hospital’s systems were not affected by the closure and there were no changes to patient appointments, including surgery, this time. Hospital teams will continue to reach out to patients, families, caregivers and community partners via phone, mobile and email. “Virtual care appointments are still available. For patients unable to connect, healthcare teams will be in touch to reschedule your appointment,” LHSC said in an email to CBC News. “Care partners expecting to pick up a discharged loved one today should call the hospital to confirm if they are able, as our switchboard remains unaffected. LHSC staff members who wish to connect with their leader outside the hospital, please call your extension leader’s direct address or your clinical unit.” Health Care of St. Joseph also said her systems are unaffected, with no changes to patient appointments and surgeries. Virtual care appointments are still available for patients of St. Joseph that they have access to. Healthcare teams will contact patients who cannot be contacted by re-booking an appointment.
Payment in shops, gas stations
Local businesses are operating without payment machines as some Interac services are down. Staff at Coffee Culture on Dundas Street, customers cannot make debit purchases. Uber Eats orders and Wi-Fi connections are also affected. “It definitely affects our business,” said evening manager Shiloh MacLeod. Maitland Gas & Convenience in Muncey, Ont. asks customers to bring cash. “People who come in trying to get gas can’t buy gas because the rates are down,” said a cashier. No transactions have been made through their ATM machine. Need a place to work today, pic.twitter.com/IS9lPifhkm —@londonlibrary Interac spokesman Bryan Bossin said in a statement that the nationwide outage is affecting Interac services. “Interac Debit is currently not available online and at checkout. Interac e-Transfer is also not widely available, affecting the ability to send and receive payments,” he said. We will provide further information as it becomes available.
Flying as usual
London International Airport says it has had “absolutely no technical problems” and flights are running on time despite the disruption. “The staff here are on the Rogers Network for our cell phones, but we have radios, so obviously the backup is working well,” said Chris Ryan, chief financial officer at the airport. The range of network outages is in it Online holiday map.
