SDLP West Tyrone representative Daniel McCrossan has called on BT to address the blackout of phone and internet services in Tyrone as a matter of urgency.
Residents of Douglas Bridge have been without phone and internet services since Friday.
Mr McCrossan said: “While this blackout has inconvenienced many people in the area, the anxiety it has caused to some residents should make this matter a priority for BT.
“Most people can get by using their mobile for a couple of days but many of those left isolated are older residents who would rely on their landline to stay connected to friends and family and more importantly in the event of an emergency.
“BT must therefore address this blackout as a matter of urgency.
“This blackout is typical of the lack of telecommunication infrastructure in rural areas and the problems that it poses both for businesses and residents.
“I contacted BT three times over the weekend and twice on Monday to get this issue resolved.
“They confirmed that they would have the issue resolved by Monday evening but as of today the problem persists.
“After a lot of roundabout and unhelpful conversations over the phone BT are now saying it will take until Thursday.
“It is vitally important that BT acts now to reassure their paying customers that they this issue is a priority.
“It is unacceptable for them to put their rural customers on the back burner.”
