New Orleans Cable, Phone Service Spotty

Some flickers of progress seen

By Keith Darce Business writer, New Orleans Times-Picayune

Telecommunications service remains spotty in New Orleans and many suburban communities six weeks after Hurricane Katrina decimated the underground and overhead wires that carry telephone conversations, Internet traffic and cable television signals.

Many people returning to their homes and businesses are finding electricity and water flowing, but no dial tone in their phones and no picture on their screens.