Phone line cut affected thousands: Line repaired late Tuesday; no other problems reported

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Service was finally restored late Tuesday to several thousand residents across the Sauk Valley after construction workers digging east of Oregon cut a Verizon fiber-optic line.

The problems affected Carroll, Stephenson, Ogle, Lee, Bureau and Whiteside counties, according to Verizon spokeswoman Christy Reap.

The line was cut about noon Tuesday along state Route 64 about 2 miles from Oregon. Repairs were made around 8:30 p.m. No other problems were reported this morning, Reap said.

People were unable to make long-distance calls, banks had to close, and businesses could not accept credit or debit cards. Internet was also down for many customers. Cell phone service was not affected, Reap said.

In addition, 911 service is being affected for the Polo, Leaf River and Grand Detour areas. In Dixon, cell phone users were unable to call 911; police set up a special number until the phone line was repaired.

“Our technicians worked into the evening to repair the cut fiber-optic line and restore service,” Reap said. “We appreciate customers’ patience and understanding.”

The fiber cut also affected AT&T customers, said Amy Grundman, spokeswoman for AT&T. Verizon network carries calls to and from AT&T customers.

She added that no other problems have been reported thus far after the line was repaired.

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