Flow Jamaica Expands Underground Fibre to Improve Connectivity

Flow Jamaica is advancing efforts to protect the country’s telecommunications infrastructure from extreme weather, following the removal of its outdated underground copper network to make way for further fibre-optic expansion.

The telecommunications provider has completed the decommissioning and removal of its legacy underground copper cables, creating additional capacity to relocate vulnerable overhead fibre routes beneath the ground.

The development forms part of Flow’s ongoing network modernisation programme, aimed at improving service reliability and reducing the risk of widespread connectivity disruptions during hurricanes and other severe weather events.

Flow Jamaica Accelerates Underground Fibre Expansion

With the old copper infrastructure removed, Flow Jamaica can now expand its underground fibre network, prioritising transmission routes that are particularly exposed to environmental hazards.

The company has already relocated approximately 170 kilometres of fibre transmission routes underground over the past two years, with additional work planned.

Underground infrastructure offers greater protection against high winds, falling trees and other weather-related damage that can affect overhead telecommunications cables.

Stephen Price, Vice President and General Manager of Flow Jamaica, described the completion of the copper removal project as an important development in the company’s long-term infrastructure strategy.

“This is another important step in strengthening Jamaica’s telecommunications infrastructure. By removing our legacy copper network, we can create greater capacity to move more of our critical fibre routes underground, where they are better protected from high winds, falling trees and other impacts associated with severe weather,” Price said.

Hurricane Melissa Drives Network Modernisation

Flow’s infrastructure programme has gained momentum following Hurricane Melissa, which damaged sections of Jamaica’s telecommunications network.

Rather than focusing exclusively on restoring damaged systems to their previous condition, the company has incorporated newer fibre technology into its rebuilding efforts.

This approach is intended to improve the network’s ability to withstand future storms while supporting restoration work in communities still affected by the hurricane.

The investment focuses on protecting important transmission routes that support connectivity for households, businesses and essential services.

Price emphasised that improving network resilience remains a continuing priority for the telecommunications provider.

“Our network is critical national infrastructure, and strengthening its resilience is an ongoing responsibility,” he said.

“We are continuing to invest in a smarter, more resilient network that can better withstand the challenges presented by Jamaica’s environment and keep customers connected when it matters most.”

Cable Vandalism Threatens Connectivity

While Flow continues to modernise its infrastructure, the company has raised concerns about an increase in suspected vandalism involving its telecommunications cables.

According to Flow, recent incidents suggest that individuals searching for copper have been cutting or interfering with sections of its fibre network.

However, the company has confirmed that its underground cables no longer contain copper, making these attempts both damaging and unproductive.

“There is simply nothing to be gained from cutting our fibre cables in search of copper. There is no longer any copper contained in our underground cables, so anyone cutting them for this purpose will come away empty-handed,” Price explained.

The company warned that such incidents can interrupt telecommunications services and create additional pressure on technical teams responsible for network upgrades and hurricane recovery.

“What these actions do accomplish is disrupting connectivity for customers, communities and businesses. They also divert critical technical resources away from planned network improvements and restoration work to repair damage that could have been prevented,” Price added.

Building a More Resilient Telecommunications Network

Flow Jamaica’s underground expansion reflects a broader focus on strengthening infrastructure that supports everyday communication, business operations and essential services.

As the country remains vulnerable to hurricanes and other severe weather events, protecting critical telecommunications routes is an important component of disaster preparedness and recovery.

The company plans to continue relocating exposed fibre infrastructure underground while advancing network restoration and modernisation projects.

Flow is also encouraging members of the public to report suspicious activity around telecommunications infrastructure to the police to help prevent further disruptions.