Sure’s mobile telephone network in Laxey will remain out of action until either the Mountain Road is open again or weather conditions improve to allow the technicians to reach the transmitter.

Sure’s transmitter on top of Snaefell incurred technical difficulties yesterday afternoon (12th January) as a result of the extreme weather conditions.  Since then, reception has been lost in the Laxey area and Sure customers attempting to use their mobile phones in the area have not been able to get a signal.

This morning, Sure engineers tried to reach the transmitter, but conditions were too treacherous.  They will not be able to restore the mobile network in Laxey until the weather has improved significantly and they are able to walk to the tower, which is located close to Snaefell’s highest point.

Weather forecasts indicate that it could be a week before the necessary work can be carried out on the transmitter.

Mike Stanton, Country Manager of Sure Isle of Man, comments, "I can only apologise to customers for any inconvenience caused by this disruption.

"We had hoped to rectify the problem at first light this morning, but it became evident very quickly that it was simply too dangerous to allow anyone to get to our transmitter.

"The Mountain Road is closed, and getting to the top of Snaefell is impossible in the current conditions, so we will have to wait until the weather has improved.

"Obviously we want to restore our network service to its usual excellent standard as quickly as possible, but the safety of our staff must come first.  While we wait for the weather to improve, I can only apologise to those customers who have been affected and we will keep you updated on progress."