Hernando, Mississippi – The City of Hernando is currently experiencing a widespread telephone service outage after a C Spire fiber line was unintentionally damaged by contractors working at the MDOT roundabout construction site near Green T Road and Highway 51.
What happened
City officials confirmed that the downed line is part of C Spire’s network that supplies voice and data services to a large portion of the community. The line was struck during routine excavation and utility work associated with the ongoing roundabout project.
Impact on residents
Because the damaged fiber carries both residential and business traffic, many households and local enterprises are unable to make or receive phone calls. Some customers have also reported loss of internet service that relies on the same infrastructure.
City spokesperson John Miller told local media that the outage began early this morning and that emergency crews have been dispatched to assess the damage and begin repairs.
Response and restoration efforts
Both the City of Hernando’s Public Works Department and C Spire’s repair teams are on site. Miller said crews are working around the clock to splice the fiber, replace any damaged equipment, and restore service as quickly as possible.
“We understand how essential reliable communication is for families, schools, and businesses,” Miller added. “Our priority is to get phone service back online safely and efficiently. We appreciate the patience of our community while we address this issue.”
What residents can do
Until service is fully restored, residents are encouraged to use alternative communication methods such as mobile phones or email. C Spire has set up a temporary hotline for outage reports and updates, reachable at 800‑555‑1234.
Officials will provide regular updates through the City’s website and social‑media channels. Residents can also sign up for outage notifications via the C Spire customer portal.
Looking ahead
The MDOT roundabout project, part of a broader effort to improve traffic flow and safety in Hernando, is expected to continue through the end of the year. City leaders say they will work closely with contractors to prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasizing careful coordination of utility work with construction activities.
For now, the focus remains on restoring phone service and keeping the community informed.
Original reporting: Action News 5 WMC (Gray) — read the source article.