Interruptions to cell service and internet have affected Ouray County residents today, after damage to a CenturyLink fiber line interrupted service to not only the company’s own customers but those who use other service providers who use CenturyLink’s fiber infrastructure.

A CenturyLink spokesman confirmed the company’s fiber line near Montrose was damaged today. It’s not clear at this time what happened or exactly how long it will take to repair.

The damage affected cell phone service in the area, due to the cut fiber line, according to the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office. 

Repairs are not expected to be completed until 1 a.m., the office said on social media.

Cell service is not available, including emergency calls to 911. The office advised using Wi-Fi calling to make calls with cell phones.

Wi-Fi calling can be turned on in your phone’s settings, under the cellular menu. 

Clearnetworx, another internet and phone service provider in the area, said the CenturyLink line went down and was related to the other reported outages, reaching as far as Telluride. 

CenturyLink’s website indicates there is currently an outage in the area, with restoration expected by 7 p.m. tonight.  

A Verizon spokesperson said the company “uses another fiber provider in the area to carry information between its cell sites and the core network,” and said a problem with that provider’s network was affecting Verizon service. “Our engineers are working closely with the vendor to restore service as quickly as possible.”

This is a developing story, and will be updated as more information becomes available.