- AT&T FirstNet was on standby to provide support
- T-Mobile talked up its D2D satellite connectivity
- Verizon prepared its COLTs, COWs and more
Much of the United States is digging out after this weekend’s historic Winter Storm Fern — and that means the major mobile operators are, too.
Fierce asked AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon about how they handled the preparation and aftermath of the event, which saw snow, sleet and freezing rain hit across the country from Texas to Maine. Here are their responses:
AT&T FirstNet was at the ready
AT&T headquarters in the Dallas area saw several inches of snow and sleet combined with dangerous ice. “We're hanging in there in Texas, other parts of the country are way worse,” an AT&T spokeswoman told Fierce.
The Tier 1 said that its FirstNet response operations group (ROG), led by former first responders were ready to support public safety’s emergency communications and deploy assets from the dedicated FirstNet fleet, both during and after the storm.
T-Mobile uses SON and AI
T-Mobile noted that it has been using its self-optimizing network (SON) with AI and automation to adapt in real time by rerouting signals and shifting antenna angles to manage traffic during Fern.
Unlike the other U.S. operators, T-Mobile can offer direct-to-device (D2D) text messaging connectivity across the U.S. through its partnership with Starlink. “As conditions continue to evolve, solutions like T-Satellite can also help people stay connected in areas where traditional networks are down,” T-Mobile said.
Verizon hardened cell sites
Verizon provided us with a number of details. “Our engineers prepare year-round for these events and are ready to deploy immediately if needed,” a spokeswoman told us.
“Ahead of the storm, we took proactive measures to harden our cell sites and infrastructure including ensuring backup systems like batteries and generators are operational across all macro cell sites, pre-arranging fuel deliveries with tankers positioned to quickly respond and refuel generators if commercial power is lost, and ensuring our nearly 3,000 network and satellite assets are ready to deploy, including mobile cell sites (COWs and COLTs), temporary emergency command centers, and mobile generators.”