GALVESTON — Almost two months after Hurricane Ike’s devastating visit to the island, some business owners still were without phone and data services Friday, making it difficult to earn income and accept credit cards.
But by Friday evening, after being called by The Daily News, AT&T had restored services to at least two businesses and officials with the company urged anyone still without it to call toll-free, 800-288-2020.
AT&T’s lines and equipment took a hard hit from the storm’s salty surge. But the company said Friday it had fewer than 100 repair tickets more than a week old.
In most cases in which service wasn’t restored, it’s because buildings weren’t ready or occupied, said AT&T spokesman Dan Feldstein. Hurricane Ike, which struck Sept. 13, swamped thousands of homes and businesses.
Still, some island business owners said they were frustrated by how long it was taking the phone and Internet provider to restore service.
Marvin Searcy, who owns Golden Corral, is aiming to reopen the 6200 Seawall Blvd. restaurant Nov. 21. The restaurant took in about six inches of storm surge and is undergoing repairs and renovations, Searcy said. But like most businesses, Golden Corral must be able to process credit cards through DSL (digital subscriber line) technology. If the restaurant were forced to process cards manually, customers would be in for a long wait, and that’s bad for business, Searcy said.
“We’ve got a lot of construction workers and builders who want to come in and eat, not stand in line for a long time,” Searcy said.
Friday, after The Daily News called specifically about Golden Corral, AT&T dispatched technicians, who restored four of the five lines at the restaurant.
“We can operate now,” Searcy said. “I’m happy.”
Lack of phone service at Worthley Island Appliance, which moved after the storm to 16708 FM 3005 in Jamaica Beach, cut sales by as much as half, said Patrick Hayes, who is helping owners Floyd and Mary Ellis at the store.
The store, which carries kitchen appliances and washers and dryers — items much in demand after the storm ruined thousands — had for years been at 5938 Broadway. The Ellis family moved to the West End after its Broadway store sustained storm damage.
Most customers who buy big-ticket items typically do so by credit card, spreading payments out over time. But until Friday, the store was able to accept only cash or checks.
Hayes, a retired economist who worked for AT&T, said he had been disappointed with the long wait and what he considered lack of service. Worthley Island Appliance expected technicians Oct. 24, but none arrived, Hayes said.
“It’s really frustrating,” he said.
But Friday evening, AT&T technicians arrived and installed telephone service. But Hayes was in for some bad news; DSL service ends before Pirates’ Beach.
The company can process credit cards over regular phone lines, it’s just slow.
AT&T could not immediately say exactly how many island customers still were without service.
“For the most part, it’s going very well,” Feldstein said. “If an individual were to call, we can have somebody out within four days.”
