Verizon has outlined its preparation ahead of this year's storm season in the US, revealing that it has nearly 3,000 network and satellite assets ready to deploy in response to seasonal storms.
Seasonal weather disruptions such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and wildfires can heavily damage network infrastructure in the US.
Running to the storm: How Verizon prepares for natural disasters
While most run away from storms, network operators have no such option, their networks are critical infrastructure for those in desperate need of help
In response to this, the country's main carriers have first-responder networks in place to provide resiliency.
Verizon, through its Verizon Frontline response team, provides mission-critical communications support to public safety agencies responding to severe weather events.
Last week, the carrier outlined its preparation for the upcoming storm season, noting that it has "nearly 3,000 network and satellite assets are ready to deploy to the hardest hit areas to serve as mobile cell sites, temporary emergency command centers, and self-contained basecamp operations, or conduct drone missions for infrastructure assessments."
The company also has engineers and technicians ready to deploy to locations impacted by the storms.
In preparation for this, these engineers train throughout the year in HAZMAT and disaster response.
"In the face of severe weather, we know our customers rely on Verizon. We understand the vital role connectivity plays in their life, and we work tirelessly to ensure that connectivity is there when they need us most,” said Joe Russo, executive vice president, global networks and technology, Verizon.
“That’s why we work year-round planning, building, and fortifying our network operations to ensure we’re at our best when Mother Nature is at its worst."
Verizon added that all of its macro cell sites across the country have backup battery power, while it has permanent generators at critical network facilities and cell sites, plus more than 1,000 mobile generators on standby to maintain connectivity in the event of commercial power loss.
Providing an update for last year's storm season, Verizon said its Frontline Crisis Response Team responded to more than 1,500 requests for support from more than 800 different federal, state, and local public safety agencies across 46 states.
So far this year, Verizon Frontline said it has already responded to nearly 400 requests for support from more than 200 agencies.
The carrier regularly carries out training drills to test its resilience and preparation for seasonal weather disruption.
Last year, DCD attended Verizon's Patriot 24 drill held at Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Read more here.
