WOW Says Panama City Network Rebuild Nears Completion

Denver-based overbuilder WOW said it is nearing completion of the rebuild of its network in Panama City, Fla., an area that was hit hard by Hurricane Michael in October.

WOW said that nearly all of its customers in Panama City have had service restored and the company expects to have all of its customers back online in the near future.

WOW has rebuilt more than 80%of its network, including the installation of new fiber and coax which will allow for the future addition of new products and services. By the end of the month, more than 340 miles of network will have been completely rebuilt in less than 90 days.

Hurricane Michael made landfall at Mexico Beach, Fla., on Oct. 10 and cut a path of destruction across that state and several others as the third strongest hurricane on record. According to reports, insured losses from damages caused by the storm in Florida alone have reached about $4.3 billion. 

Teresa Elder

Teresa Elder

“WOW! has served our residential and business customers in Panama City for years; they are our friends and neighbors,” said CEO Teresa Elder in a statement. “We appreciate and take seriously our role in connecting our customers to their families and to their customers. This incredible community, including the WOW family members who have lost so much, rely on WOW to keep their best interests in mind. We have embraced our social responsibility and have rebuilt our Panama City network which is essential to restoring lives and livelihoods.”

WOW provides service in 19 markets, primarily in the Midwest and Southeast, including Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia.