The Magic Behind the Magic: How Verizon Frontline and NORAD Help Track the World’s Greatest Logistics Expert – Santa

There is one global logistics operation that puts every other supply chain to shame. It involves billions of deliveries to every corner of the globe, zero missed deadlines, and a delivery vehicle powered by flying reindeer. We’re talking, of course, about Santa Claus.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) defends North America by using complementary, multi-domain defense capabilities, including military aircraft, radars, and satellites. On December 24, NORAD conducts an additional mission employing these same tools: tracking the safe flight and passage of one very special aviator as he makes his trip around the globe to deliver presents to children across the world.

This year, NORAD is celebrating its 70th anniversary of tracking the jolly old fellow, and for the 23rd consecutive year, Verizon has partnered with NORAD to provide its NORAD Tracks Santa (NTS) call center with network connectivity, ensuring that believers everywhere can call NORAD to follow the Big Man in Red as he completes his miraculous journey.

Powering the North Pole Connection

Santa might run on milk and cookies, but the NTS Operations Center requires some serious bandwidth to answer calls from around the world. As the 70th anniversary of the NTS program approaches this Christmas Eve, Verizon is once again stepping in to provide the critical infrastructure needed to enable call center volunteers to keep up with a sleigh moving at the speed of starlight.

Think of us as the digital elves working behind the scenes. To support the NTS Operations Center at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado, Verizon Frontline is deploying a sleigh-full of advanced technology:

• 5G Connectivity: Ensuring that the connection is as fast as Dasher and Dancer.
• Redundant Wi-Fi & Satellite Solutions: Because when you’re answering calls from around the world, dropping a signal isn't an option.
• High-Speed Routers: The sturdy hardware that keeps the calls coming, no matter the weather outside.

Answering the Call (Literally)

The magic of this partnership isn't just about satellites and servers; it’s about the voices on the other end of the line. The Verizon Business team manages the advanced Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system that handles the massive influx of calls. Last year, there were approximately 380,000 calls on December 24th!

But technology can only do so much. The real heart of the call center operation comes from the hundreds of volunteers—including some of our own Verizon "V Teamers"—who staff the hotlines. They are the ones answering the most important questions of the year:

• "Where is Santa right now?"
• "What kind of cookies should I leave out?"
• "Did he leave the North Pole yet?"

How to Join the Fun

You don’t need security clearance to get in on the action. Thanks to this 23-year partnership, tracking updates from Santa’s own NORAD trackers is easier than ever:

• Call the Hotline: Dial 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) from 4 a.m. – midnight MST on December 24th to speak with a volunteer or get real-time updates.
• Visit the HQ: Head to noradsanta.org for games, movies, and the famous live tracking map.
• Go Mobile: Download the official NORAD Tracks Santa app on Apple or Google Play.

At Verizon, we know a thing or two about building reliable networks. But once a year, we’re happy to sit back and let Santa take the lead while NORAD keeps a safe track of his flight, knowing that for the 23rd year in a row, we’re helping the world believe in the magic of delivery.

Happy Tracking!