[Grammar] Sentence construction

[2010]

Please help me with the below sentence:

John, I sincerely apologize for not responding to your email on time. As we were facing some technical issues from our end, we weren’t able to respond on time.

I am worried about the usage of "on time" twice in this sentence. Is there a better way to say the above statement.

Please advise!

 

[Rover_KE]

Change the first to earlier or the second to sooner.

Rover

 

[2010]

Change the first to earlier or the second to sooner.

Rover

Isn't that a Connotation.

Would that (earlier) be the best fit in this context?

Please advise!