Cellphone Carriers Strengthen Preparations for Hurricane Season
Heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused significant flooding and damage in Asheville, North Carolina, on September 28, 2024, prompting residents to make emergency phone calls. As hurricane season approaches, Anthony Leone and Corinne Saunders, who live in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, begin their routine preparations. These include monitoring weather forecasts, stocking coolers, and charging generators. Leone has been through many hurricane seasons during his over 20-year residence in the area. He and his wife minimize cellphone use during these times.
Hurricane season lasts from June to November. In May, the National Weather Service predicted below-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic for the first time since 2015. Despite this, the risk of a major storm persists. Hurricanes disrupt power supplies necessary for stationary cell towers. Thus, cellphone carriers are enhancing their preparations with newer technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and drones, to ensure customers can maintain communication during storms.
Carrier Strategies
Verizon Wireless initiates its hurricane response plans about a week before predicted storms. Srini Kalapala, Verizon’s senior vice president of wireless engineering, reports that drones are used to photograph coverage areas before and after a storm to assess damage. AI helps pinpoint damage locations, aiding engineers in repairs. Verizon employs mobile tools with codenames like COW (cell on wheels) and HAWK (drones carrying small towers) to maintain service. These measures reduce restoration times significantly.
Meanwhile, AT&T prepares similarly a week prior to hurricanes, as shared by Shannon Browning, associate director of AT&T’s Network Disaster Recovery team. Plans include boats, barges, and helicopters to transport equipment through difficult terrains post-disaster. They often relocate equipment nationwide for various emergencies, including hurricanes and wildfires. Browning notes the merger of disaster teams, enhancing AT&T’s public safety strategy.
T-Mobile begins disaster preparations three to five months in advance. After power outages, customers receive free satellite service. AI tools help optimize antenna performance and conserve backup batteries, prolonging service time, as explained by Jon Freier, T-Mobile’s chief operating officer.
User Experiences
Anthony Leone has tried multiple cellphone providers, experiencing varied service quality during hurricanes. AT&T has been reliable for more than ten years. Typically, service disruptions last only a few days. Cell service prioritization helps first responders operate efficiently. Law enforcement, firefighters, and paramedics rely heavily on these services. Peter Antevy, medical director of several fire departments in Broward County, Florida, emphasizes the importance of maintaining communication for telemedicine and emergency updates.
Amy Weber, chief of emergency medical services at Galveston County Health District, highlights the critical nature of prioritizing first responders’ communication needs. Representatives from Verizon and AT&T attend disaster strategy meetings to discuss necessary equipment arrangements.
Jackie Santillan, living in the Houston suburbs, faces ongoing connectivity challenges with her current provider, T-Mobile. Despite changing providers, she experiences weak signals and relies on Wi-Fi or traveling for calls. She initiated a petition for a new cell tower, which has garnered support.
T-Mobile states their commitment to improving network resilience and expanding connectivity in underserved areas. Investments in network upgrades and infrastructure aim to enhance service reliability for all communities, including those in Texas and North Carolina.