The nation’s largest wireless carriers say they are ready for Sandy. AT&T says it has an “arsenal of disaster response equipment and personnel on standby,” as what could be the worst hurricane in recent history bears down on the Eastern seaboard. At cell sites, generators are at maximum fuel capacity and back-up batteries are on site. Portable generators and mobile cell sites are also on standby. In all, AT&T says it has 320 technology and equipment trailers that can respond to the hurricane.
Verizon Wireless says it also has COWs, COLTs and GoATs ready to deploy. COWs are Cells On Wheels that connect to landline networks. COLTs are Cells on Light Trucks that use microwave communications, and can tow a mobile generator to supply power. GoATs are Generators on Trucks, mobile power supplies that can move independently.
Verizon says it has established communications with utilities and other service providers to ensure proper coordination in the event of storm damage. The carrier has also deployed extra supplies of fiber and copper cable so that it will be ready to repair damaged cell sites as soon as it can. In some cases workers will have to await approval from local power companies, first-responders or law enforcement officials before beginning restoration work.
“Verizon Wireless has mobilized up and down the Eastern seaboard,” says executive director Thomas Pica. “So far, our network is performing well so no need for emergency deployments. We are ready.” Verizon is also deploying “stores on wheels,” which are trailers equipped to sell mobile devices and accessories and activate service.
Both AT&T and Verizon are working hard to communicate with their customers about safety. AT&T is reminding people to forward their landline to their mobile phone if they need to evacuate their home. The company says that even if the home phone is damaged, calls will still be routed to the mobile number. The carrier is also reminding customers to keep their devices dry and fully charged. In the event of disaster, many people will be relying on their mobile phones to connect them to family and to information about resources. Verizon has even published a list of apps that can be help people during an emergency.
Of course, preparing for emergencies is an ongoing process that does not start or end when disaster strikes. AT&T notes that it has been enhancing network redundancy in hurricane-prone areas by installing more back-up and permanent generators at critical cell sites and switching facilities. The carrier says it is the nation’s first private sector company to receive disaster preparedness certification under the Department of Homeland Security Voluntary Private Sector Preparedness Program.