Hawai'i's old-fashioned, wired telephone network suffered few disruptions, while new-age wireless and Internet-based phones faltered following Sunday's shakes.

It seems no carrier was immune to the major power loss and spike in phone calls that followed two big earthquakes that struck off the Big Island. For example, without residential electrical power, Internet-based phone systems such as Oceanic Time Warner Cable's Digital Phone didn't work. Cellular phone networks that typically run on backup power also had spotty service following a surge in calls.

That jump in calls also affected Hawaiian Telcom's wired phone network. However, phone service remained uninterrupted for most users, the company said. Call volumes were monitored in Hawaiian Telcom's network operations center in Downtown Honolulu.

The earthquake did cause minor damage to some Hawaiian Telcom buildings in West Hawai'i, but the company's core network facilities were undamaged. Internet service also continued for those with access to electrical power.

Like other major phone companies, Hawaiian Telcom's system is capable of remaining in service for prolonged periods in the event of a blackout. That's because the company operates its own battery and generator backup electricity system.

Whether the experience will help Hawaiian Telcom curb a loss of customers to wireless and Internet phone companies remains to be seen. For Hawaiian Telcom, which has grappled with customer service issues following a change in ownership, the experience serves as a reminder of the importance and reliability of traditional land line phone service.

"It's been a really tough six months for us and our customers, but we're committed to customer service, and this is a symbol of that," said Hawaiian Telcom spokesman Dan Smith. "Hawaiian Telcom realizes just how important communications are, whether that's day to day or whether it's in an emergency.

"We take this very, very seriously."

Hawaiian Telcom recommends that people keep a basic cord phone on hand in case of a future power outage. Unlike cordless phones that require AC power, basic cord phones that don't have an electrical plug receive power through Hawaiian Telcom's land-line network.

Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com.