Cable thieves affecting Columbus Communications' service delivery

Criminal activities are directly impacting Columbus Communications Jamaica Limited's delivery of broadband networks in the island.

The operators of the Flow and Columbus Business Solutions brands, highlighted this issue during a recent Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica President's Forum in Clarendon.

Recently thieves removed one kilometre of cable in Westmoreland, merely 24 hours after they were installed by technicians.

"Theft is significantly hampering our progress in areas where we are working with the Government of Jamaica to bring our services to schools, hospitals and community centres as part of the Universal Services Fund project, and may result in delays to delivering these critical services," said John Clear, vice-president for Columbus Business Solutions. The theft is affecting how quickly and cost-efficiently the company can roll out services in remote locations.

Significant increase in theft

In Clarendon, where the company has been building out the broadband network, there has been a significant increase in the theft of cable, batteries and amplifiers.

Denise Williams, director of corporate communications at Columbus, said the real victims were the Jamaican people.

"We all have to participate in preventing the criminals from continuing to damage the infrastructure that delivers the services that are important to the conduct of every aspect of our lives," she said. "We are grateful for those citizens who already recognise this and do contact us and the police to report acts of theft and fraud."

Williams appealed for the public to continue being vigilant and to report any suspicious activities.

Tip line

The company has implemented a telephone number (620-3060) for the public to anonymously report any suspicious activity. There is also a reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of persons who steal the network's equipment.

In 2012, Columbus successfully pursued legal action against Mandeville-based Mars Cable Vision Limited, while in St James, Cornwall Communications Limited pleaded guilty and was fined for having knowingly received stolen Columbus property. The company reiterates it will take all necessary legal action to protect its more than US$350-million investment in its broadband network in Jamaica.

Columbus will be working with key stakeholders including the police, parish councils, and community groups, in targeted communities, to hold a public action campaign in order to ensure consumers can still access the company's services.