NT RCMP Federal Investigations Unit (FIU) is investigating a second major disruption to the communication services in the Northwest Territories.
At approximately 9:00 am on Monday, August 12, cell phone, long distance calling, landlines and internet services were severely impacted by damaged fibre optic line, with services down or operating intermittently. This affected most NT communities and the Yellowknife area.
Northwestel located the site of the damaged fibre optic line, between Yellowknife and Behchoko. NT RCMP Forensic Identification Services, and an FIU member attended the scene along with Northwestel crews. NT RCMP began an investigation into what seems to be a deliberate act of vandalism to the fibre optic cable.
RCMP is seeking information from anyone who may have been travelling on Highway #3, between Yellowknife and Behchoko, in and around 9 AM this morning. If you noticed any suspicious activity, or have dash cam footage, RCMP are requesting you call your local RCMP detachment, 867-_ _ _ - 1111.
"We continue to take threats to our critical infrastructure very seriously. These senseless acts have impacted our communities and affected the safety and comfort of the citizens of the Northwest Territories.
Someone may have seen something, or know of someone who may have access to the fibre optic cables. We implore you to bring forward information that may lead police to identify the person or persons responsible for today's outage" states Staff Sergeant Dean Riou, NCO i/c, NT RCMP Federal Investigations Unit.
The investigation is in it's infancy, and it is too early to determine if this incident is related to the July 13th incident. RCMP is investigating any potential links.
RCMP is still seeking information on the July 13 incident, and requests anyone travelling on Highway #3, between Yellowknife and Behchoko, in and around 7:00 to 7:45 am on July 13, to provide any information or dash cam footage.
Northwestel crews continue to work on the repairs from the latest damage to the line. Services have not been fully reinstated at this time.
Anyone with information on any suspicious activity that may be related to this event,is asked to call Yellowknife RCMP at 669-1111, contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 nwtnutips.com, (click on "submit a web tip") or text: nwtnutips to 274637.