When nature strikes in the Alps

It’s a precarious situation: The people of Grimentz have no way to communicate with the outside world in the event of an emergency. To resolve this situation as quickly as possible, David Raemy from Field Service is called in. A satellite telephone is installed with the fire commander as an emergency measure. David also discovers that, although all the fibre optic cables in Grimentz are off-line, the old copper lines are still working. Together with a cable design specialist, a backup network is established, and the analogue fixed network lines are made available again. This provides most of the Grimentz population with a link to the outside world again. Meanwhile, Cablex begins working on a temporary solution. As Walter explains: “Working with Field Service, we were able to find both cable ends under the mud after a painstaking search. We also excavated existing ducts that were still intact and spliced the temporary solution there.” Over 900 metres of temporary cable are laid. In just two days, Swisscom is able to completely reconnect the people of Grimentz to the outside world. As soon as the damage to the roads and surrounding area is repaired, the temporary solution can be dismantled – work that is expected to take around one to two years.