T-Mobile, Verizon, FirstNet AT&T work to restore emergency communications

By Sarah Roebuck

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Southeastern law enforcement and public safety agencies are working to restore critical communication networks that were devastated by the storm.

Hurricane Helene’s heavy rains caused widespread flooding in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, leaving a trail of destruction across the Southeast U.S. At least 91 people across several states were killed, the Associated Press reports.

The Asheville region of North Carolina has been described by many as a “blackout zone” on social media due to power and cellphone outages.

More than 50 search teams are spread throughout the region in search of stranded people.

Here’s how networks are helping to restore communication with law enforcement.

T-Mobile

T-Mobile emergency teams have been coordinating efforts across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and Florida, providing network support to first responders, public safety and relief organizations at all levels.

On Monday, Sept. 30, T-Mobile community support teams will provide charging stations and Wi-Fi connectivity in Fletcher, North Carolina and Greenwood, South Carolina. The stations provide cellular voice and data, as well as the ability for citizens to use Wi-Fi calling no matter their carrier.

Verizon

Verizon states it has restored service in Florida and parts of Georgia and South Carolina, but many areas in the Southeast remain affected due to massive flooding, impassible roads, power outages and extensive fiber damage.

Verizon is assisting local emergency management by deploying a Tactical Command Trailer and three Wireless Emergency Command Centers (WECCs), with two in Asheville, N.C., and one in Chuckey, Tenn.

The WECCs, set up on Sept. 30, are generator-powered mobile units open to the public. They offer device charging, computer workstations and access to wireless phones, tablets, and other devices to help people connect with family, friends, and essential contacts via the Verizon network.

Verizon said it was also able to deploy a HAWK (High Altitude Wireless Kennewhat) cell-enabled tethered drone that provides cell service from the air, as well as a number of high-capacity mobile assets including COWs (Cell on Wheels), COLTs (Cell on Light Trucks), STEERs (Satellite Trailer Emitting Equipment Remote) and SPOTs (Satellite Pico-cell on Trailer) into the Asheville area following the reopening of I-26.

FirstNet

Public safety agencies on FirstNet have submitted over 100 requests for emergency connectivity support across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, AT&T states. FirstNet has crews on the ground responding to these requests to keep customers and first responders connected during this critical period.

Meanwhile, AT&T’s Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) team is stationed at a self-sustaining basecamp—complete with bunkhouses, a food trailer and command centers.

To request FirstNet support, click here.

Starlink

Some companies have started to set up Starlink hotspots throughout the Asheville area of North Carolina, WNCN reports.

At Enka-Candler Fire Department Station 10 in Buncombe County, crews from HQ Mabas, a company based in Illinois, set up a Starlink Compact Rapid Deployable cell tower, allowing for cellphone coverage up to two miles.

Two Starlink systems are also active in Asheville — one at the Ferguson Building shelter and another at the DoubleTree Hilton. Several fire departments, including Linville Volunteer Fire Department in Avery County, have also set up Starlink systems.

While the Starlink hotspots are popping up, the Greensboro Police Department posted a call out to Starlink’s CEO Elon Musk, stating the region could use help.

“Our friends in Western NC could really use your help right now with service and connecting loved ones back with family!” the department said.