Windstream internet down in Beatrice

Windstream customers in Beatrice suffered a widespread internet outage Friday after one of the company's fiber-optic cables was cut.

A person at the company's support number said they were aware of the outage but had on other information.

At 11:37, the company sent out a text alert to say it was "working to restore service as quickly as possible."

A company spokesperson later issued a statement, saying, "We experienced two separate fiber cuts that impacted about 9,000 voice and broadband customers west of Lincoln starting at approximately 10 a.m. today. We immediately mobilized crews to begin repairs. Services will begin to restore as soon as one of the cuts is repaired. We appreciate our customers' patience."

Customers unable to reach help at the support number drove to the company office on Sixth Street, only to find it closed.

"Apparently I'm not the only one," one woman said, looking around at the others who were there before leaving.

Customers at the office didn't want to be identified, but shared their concerns with each other about missing work and potential wellness calls. The outage was affecting both internet and phone service for at least some of the customers.

The customers who came and went at the office were from all parts of the city — Court Street downtown, North Seventh Street, near Summit Street Church and the Chautauqua Park area.

The city uses a different internet provider and is not affected.

This is a developing story. Check back with beatricedailysun.com for updates.