AT&T is committed to keeping its customers and FirstNet® subscribers connected during the upcoming hurricane season. With more than 30 years of experience responding to large-scale events, we’ve proven time and time again that we are ready and prepared to restore and maintain service if disaster strikes.
Our fleet of disaster recovery equipment that can be quickly deployed before, during and after any storm. This includes our newer 45-foot custom-built landing craft, capable of transporting trucks, network assets and other solutions. Plus, public safety agencies on FirstNet – the only network built with and for America’s first responders – also have 24/7 access to a dedicated nationwide fleet of more than 180 deployable network assets, helping them connect to the critical information they need.
“We understand how vital it is for our customers to stay connected before, during and after severe weather events,” said Corey Anthony, SVP, Engineering & Operations, AT&T. “We’ve worked to build a consistent track record over the years in responding to major storms and other natural disasters. We’re confident in our network, our employees and our performance. And with FirstNet, where public safety goes, we go – helping ensure first responders have the reliable communications they need to effectively coordinate and communicate their disaster response.”
How we prepare:
- Boosting network capacity to accommodate increased call volume.
- Testing backup batteries located at cell sites.
- Refueling generators at cell sites and switching facilities.
- Staging additional generators in strategic locations for immediate deployment once a storm has passed.
- Embedding FirstNet liaisons from AT&T in state and federal emergency operations centers to help ensure first responders have the mobile connectivity and devices they need.
With more than $1 billion invested in the U.S. since its inception more than 30 years ago, our Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) program is one of the largest in the industry. Our team of more than 400 recovery team members has trained in the field and has access to more than 5,400 portable generators, fuel trailers and logistical support equipment.
Response equipment we use in the wake of an event:
- Mobile cell sites, like Cell on Wheels (COWs) and Satellite Cell on Light Trucks (SatCOLTs)
- Mobile Command Centers and Emergency Communications Vehicles (ECVs)
- Flying COWs® (Cell on Wings)
- Drones for assessing cell site damage
- Basecamp operations with sleeping bunks, bathrooms and a field kitchen.
- Technology and support trailers to provide infrastructure support and mobile heating ventilation and air conditioning
- Internal and external resources for initial assessment and recovery efforts.
FirstNet Response Operations Group (ROG)™ preparations:
We know how critical communications are to rescue and recovery efforts. That’s why we partnered with the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) – an independent agency within the federal government – to deliver FirstNet to public safety. FirstNet, Built with AT&T, which now covers more first responders than any other network in the country, gives public safety the unthrottled connectivity they need, no matter the emergency.
The FirstNet Response Operations Group (ROG)™ – led by a dedicated team of former first responders – works around the clock to support public safety’s emergency communications and has liaisons engaged with local and federal agencies. Public safety agencies have access to a dedicated fleet of 180+ land-based and airborne portable cell sites that link to FirstNet via satellite and do not rely on commercial power availability. Last year, the FirstNet team at AT&T – triaged and deployed 2575+ solutions to further support public safety agencies’ emergency response needs. And, to give first responders greater command and control of their network, FirstNet aligns with the National Incident Management System to better guide the deployment of these assets.
To learn more about the value FirstNet is bringing to public safety, check out FirstNet.com.
And to learn more about our disaster preparedness program and how customers can prepare for future events, visit https://about.att.com/pages/disaster_recovery.
FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.