(Estherville)– Things are getting back to normal this (Sat.) morning in Emmet and eastern Dickinson counties after a fiber optics cable was accidentally cut…knocking out phone service to that area most of the day yesterday (Fri.).
Rick Olesen, Vice President of Operations and Engineering for Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, says an independent underground cable contractor working for ILEC dug into an unmarked fiber cable about four miles south of Estherville along Highway Four.
Olesen says the crew was repairing a failed section of a three-phase underground power line when the cut occurred around 2:00 p.m.
It knocked out most telephone, 911, internet, and some cellular service to all of Emmet and eastern Dickinson county, including the Superior and Terril areas.
The cable was repaired around 9:00 p.m. and service was restored.
