Verizon proves reliability in the wake of fires and floods

Reliability…there’s a word that has been used by wireless companies many times in the last few months. But as the fires and extreme heat rage in the west, and severe flooding wreaks havoc in West Virginia, it’s obvious that more than just talk in needed to make a difference for residents and visitors in the impacted areas.

The Verizon network is engineered to connect when and where you need it, even in severe weather and disasters – and that doesn’t just happen by luck. Reliability is the result of planning, years of investment, hard work, and well-trained people who are dedicated to serving their communities.

Here are a few examples of what real reliability looks like in action.

With the extreme heat raging in the West, Verizon engineers have portable cooling units staged for deployment to sites to ensure our network equipment – vital to connecting customers to friends, family and emergency personnel – continues to maintain high performance as temps soar. In areas where the wildfires have ravaged large swaths of land, Verizon’s back-up generators and batteries have kept cell sites online and performing well.

In West Virginia, where rising water has devastated residential and business areas alike, Verizon’s redundant systems have kept cell sites running without commercial power. Additionally, Verizon has deployed innovative microwave technology to help maintain wireless service where it is needed most.

While Verizon’s network continues to perform well, we’re supporting residents in impacted communities by deploying Wireless Emergency Communication Centers (WECCs). These 35-foot trailers come equipped with 50 charging ports that enable community members to charge their wireless devices despite of power outages or residential displacement. Nine sit-down stations are also available and equipped with internet connectivity and cell phones to enable residents in storm-stricken areas to call loved ones and take care of personal business. Two external LCD screens and satellite connections allow these centers to stream weather information and emergency response information to residents.

Bottom line: wireless networks are NOT the same – despite what the discount wireless companies want you to believe. Networks haven’t been equal for some time now and they won’t be in the future. We design the Verizon network for predictable excellence – that means coverage, speed and most importantly, reliability.

Reliability is our calling card. Verizon will be here when you need us most – and that won’t change.

Karen Smith is a corporate communications manager for network and customer experience. She writes about Verizon’s network improvements, third-party testing and the LTE in Rural America (LRA) program.