Communication Challenges and Responses During Hurricane Season

Residents in Asheville, North Carolina, found themselves making phone calls to one another after hurricane Helene brought record flooding on September 28, 2024. In the aftermath, Anthony Leone and his wife, Corinne Saunders, who have lived in North Carolina’s Outer Banks for over two decades, are preparing for another hurricane season. They reserve their cell phones for emergencies, understanding the challenges hurricanes bring.

Hurricane season runs from June until November. The National Weather Service’s forecast in May noted a potential decrease in Atlantic hurricane activity for the first time in years, but the threat of at least one severe storm persists. Despite a slow season, powerful storms can still cause significant disruptions.

Telecom Companies’ Preparations

Telecom companies have become proactive in maintaining communication during storms. Verizon Wireless starts hurricane preparations a week in advance. As described by Srini Kalapala, senior vice president of wireless engineering, drones capture images of areas both before and after storms to assess damage, and AI helps technicians with repair efforts. Verizon employs mobile tools such as “cells on wheels” and drones that transport small towers to ensure communication continues.

AT&T prepares similarly, with a disaster response fleet capable of reaching difficult areas. Shannon Browning of AT&T’s Network Disaster Recovery explains their comprehensive approach, merging disaster teams for efficiency. T-Mobile starts planning months ahead, providing free satellite service when power fails. AI tools adjust antennas and save backup battery power to prolong service.

Customer and First Responder Experiences

Leone has experienced service variability among providers through the years. Currently with AT&T, he finds notifications about storms frequent, and service outages minimal. However, first responders get priority with direct communication from companies like Verizon and AT&T. These networks are crucial for teams needing reliable communication during emergencies, noted by medical professionals like Peter Antevy in Broward County, Fla., and Amy Weber in Texas.

For users like Jackie Santillan, reliable service remains elusive. Living in a suburban area with T-Mobile as the provider, Santillan attempted to combat weak signal strength by petitioning for a new cell tower. T-Mobile acknowledges these issues, focusing on network resilience improvements and expansions nationwide, including Texas and North Carolina.