"We'll be a facing a very busy period after the fires," said Telstra public affairs spokesperson, Michael Patterson.
Telstra estimates that the fires have directly contributed a four to five-fold increase in reported faults, and expects the number to increase as fires are brought under control.
"Some people still haven't returned to their homes," said Patterson, explaining that many will return to find their houses without service.
According to Telstra, the frustration businesses are feeling over services affected by the fire is starting to show.
"We've been dealing with one business in the Blue Mountains that employs over 150 people, and relies on one of our ISDN lines. The fellow who runs it has been on to us every day but we simply can't get into the area to fix it," said Patterson. "It's a difficult situation."
For now, Telstra can do little to improve the situation for communities affected by the crisis. Additional crews deployed to work alongside emergency services teams last week have been recalled from the field.
Telstra is yet to estimate the cost of damage to its network but says that it won't be approaching the government for assistance.
"We'll be bearing the cost of our own damages," said Patterson.
Technicians have already started locating materials to repair damage in affected areas, most of which is expected to be melted terrestrial copper and optical lines.
