Hurricane Ian

October 7, 2022, 4:30 p.m. EST

Overall, our wireless network performed well in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian and is operating normally in Florida. Our crews continue to focus on permanent connectivity solutions for a few cell sites that have been impacted by the storm and are operating on temporary satellite connections. We remain focused on keeping our customers, their families and the public safety community connected. We will continue to work to support our customers through the recovery and rebuilding effort.

We have made significant progress with restoring our wireline network, which is now operating normally in impacted areas. Although equipment that serves an area can be powered and online, we may not be aware of specific in-home service impairment until customers return to their homes and commercial power is restored. Customers experiencing issues with their AT&T service can reach us at att.com, on the myAT&T app or over the phone at 800-288-2020. Wireline customers can also visit att.com/outages to sign up for one-time service restoration text alerts.

AT&T has one of the industry’s largest and most advanced disaster response programs to help keep communications running during these times. Over the course of the storm and through recovery, the FirstNet team has responded to more than 115 requests from public safety and first responder agencies. We would like to thank federal, state and local officials for their partnership and assistance with helping our recovery efforts. 

We would also like to express our appreciation and gratitude to the first responders for their service to the communities impacted by this devastating storm. Our thoughts continue to be with those who are recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Ian. We want to remind our customers that have been impacted by the storm of our current relief offers on this page. We understand how important it is to stay connected and we know this need is even greater before, during and after any major storm event.
 

October 5, 2022, 8:42 p.m. EST

Overall, our wireless network in Florida is operating at more than 99% of normal. Our crews continue to work across the state and other storm areas to make repairs and keep our customers, their families and first responders connected.

The FirstNet team continues to support public safety and FirstNet subscribers with on-air communications solutions currently in Charlotte and Lee counties. So far, public safety – spanning federal, state and local agencies – have made more than 110 FirstNet emergency support requests for Ian. We continue to see network improvements in some of the hardest hit areas, including the macro site we restored on Pine Island today by transporting necessary equipment by barge.

Since opening our network on Thursday for roaming, we’ve handled about 47 TBs of traffic from other carriers to help keep those in impacted areas connected. 47 TBs of data is equal to more than 16 billion text messages – the recommended communications option during emergency events when commercial networks are experiencing heavy traffic loads.

Power restoration and debris cleanup continues, adding to the improvement of our wireline restoration work. Of the wireline customers where we know service was impacted in Florida, more than 92% have had their service restored. Customers experiencing issues with their AT&T service can reach us at att.com, on the myAT&T app or over the phone at 800-288-2020. Wireline customers can visit att.com/outages to sign up for one-time service restoration text alerts.

In addition, our retail stores are re-opening and serving customers. Store locations and hours are available at www.att.com/stores.
 

October 5, 2022, 9:40 a.m. EST

Our AT&T Network Disaster Recovery and the FirstNet teams continue to restore communications in some of the hardest hit areas following Hurricane Ian. On Sanibel Island, Ian ripped away several parts of the causeway that were the island’s only access to Florida’s mainland. Boats were the only way to reach the island. A Satellite Cell on Light Truck (SatCOLT) was too heavy to travel via the available boats, so the team deployed a Compact Rapid Deployable (CRD), which is a lighter, new addition to the fleet that gives better flexibility to support public safety. These assets link to FirstNet via satellite and do not rely on commercial power availability, making them ideal for search and rescue missions thanks to their on-the-go coverage. Using an Amphibious Vehicle (AV) from the AT&T Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) fleet, the team was able to load the CRD into the trunk of the AV, drive it to the channel and set sail (or engage the hydraulic drive system to motor and navigate like a boat). 

Assets from the dedicated FirstNet Fleet have supported first responders in affected areas, including Charlotte, Collier, Hardee, Hendry, Lee, Manatee, Orange and Sarasota counties in Florida, as well as Charleston and Georgetown counties in South Carolina. Now, sheriffs, firefighters, search & rescue teams and those providing mutual aid have the dedicated connectivity where they need it most.In addition to deploying FirstNet assets, the team has been expediting cell site restoration based on public safety’s needs, deploying generators and providing FirstNet Ready® devices to first responders on the ground. Read more about the FirstNet team’s work following Hurricane Ian here.
 

October 3, 2022, 5:40 p.m. EST

Our network continues to perform well in Florida following Hurricane Ian, proving its resiliency. Additionally, our wireless network across South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia is operating normally. Our teams have been able to navigate storm damage to gain access to our network locations and we continue to deploy additional resources to assist with the recovery.

We’re seeing network improvements in some of the hardest hit areas where our teams are working to restore communications. This includes Sanibel Island, where we’ve restored one cell site, with a second expected back online late today. These sites are providing essential wireless service to residents and first responders.

Since opening our network on Thursday for roaming, we’ve handled more than 38 TBs of traffic from other carriers to help keep those in impacted areas connected. 38 TBs of data is equal to more than 13 billion text messages – the recommended communications option during emergency events when commercial networks are experiencing heavy traffic loads.

Our teams and FirstNet liaisons continue to be in contact with federal, state and local officials on our deployment efforts to support public safety and the communities in impacted areas. So far, public safety – spanning federal, state and local agencies – have made more than one hundred FirstNet emergency support requests for Ian.

Our wireline restoration progress continues. Of the wireline customers where we know service was impaired in Florida, nearly 80%  have had their service restored. Wireline customers can visit att.com/outages to sign up for one-time service restoration text alerts.
 

October 2, 2022, 4:55 p.m. EST

Our network continues to perform extremely well following Hurricane Ian. We have crews working in the hardest hit storm areas to make repairs and keep our customers, their families and first responders connected.

Since opening our network on Thursday for roaming, we’ve handled more than 31.5 TBs of traffic from other carriers to help keep those in impacted areas connected. 31.5 TBs of data is equal to more than 11 billion text messages – the recommended communications option during emergency events when commercial networks are experiencing heavy traffic loads.

Yesterday the FirstNet team received a request to help with communications on Pine Island, where residents were stranded. Working with local and government agencies, they loaded a portable cell site onto a helicopter. This CRD (compact rapid deployable) is providing wireless service for first responders and Wi-Fi for the residents. Within minutes of setting up, a resident called family to let them know she was safe -- the reason we work so hard to keep Floridians connected.

In the hardest hit areas, the FirstNet team continues to deploy dedicated network assets to provide critical communications to public safety and first responders in Florida. This currently includes 10 SatCOLTs (Satellite Cell on Light Trucks) and six CRDs (Compact Rapid Deployables) on air with additional assets on the way to Hardee, Lee and Orange counties. Our teams and FirstNet liaisons continue to be in contact with federal, state and local officials on our deployment efforts to support public safety and the communities in impacted areas.

We continue to deploy and refuel generators. We currently have more than 90,000 gallons of fuel on the ground in Florida with more than 20,000 gallons in Fort Myers and more available as needed. Generators are refueled when needed without a hitch, unless we cannot reach a site. Since deploying our fuel trucks for restoration efforts, we have dispensed more than 70,000 gallons for vehicles and generators.

Our wireline teams continue to make progress to restore phone and internet service. Of the wireline customers where we know service was impaired in Florida, more than 69% have had their service restored. Although equipment that serves an area can be powered and online, we may not be aware of specific in-home service impairment until customers return to their homes and commercial power is restored. Commercial power outages can affect service for our customers even once our repairs are made.

We understand how important it is to stay connected and will continue to work around the clock and provide updates until all service is restored.
 

October 1, 2022, 4:30 p.m. EST

Our teams continue to work around the clock to restore service and deploy additional assets in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian. In less than 72 hours since the storm made landfall in Florida, our teams have restored more than 77% of impacted cell sites throughout the state. We are also focusing on South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, where our wireless network has performed well as Ian has weakened in strength.

Since opening our network on Thursday for roaming, we’ve handled more than 23 TBs of traffic from other carriers to help keep those in impacted areas connected. 23 TBs of data is equal to more than 8 billion text messages – the recommended communications option during emergency events when commercial networks are experiencing heavy traffic loads.

Our crews continue to navigate storm damage to deploy and refuel generators until commercial power is restored. We have additional generators in the region and are deploying them as needed.

To aid in the recovery efforts and support public safety, the FirstNet team has 11 SatCOLTs (Satellite Cell on Light Trucks) and 3 CRDs (Compact Rapid Deployables) on air in Florida with additional assets on the way to DeSoto, Hardee and Lee counties.

To support those who have been displaced or remain without power in Florida, we’ve set up charging stations at Colonial Square in Ft. Myers and our Naples Plaza Store. Hours of operation for both locations are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. EST. 

We will continue to provide additional updates as our recovery work continues. We understand how important it is for our customers to stay connected. Our teams are working 24/7 and we are using all the resources at our disposal to restore service in areas impacted by Hurricane Ian.

September 30, 2022, 1:30 p.m. EST

We have made significant progress in the last 24 hours. Our teams are quickly and safely gaining access, assessing damage and restoring service to areas impacted by Hurricane Ian. There are more than 180 crews dispatched focused on the hardest hit areas to keep wireless communications running so first responders, emergency personnel and others can stay connected during rescue and recovery efforts. We have made significant progress in storm impacted areas, where more than a half of our impacted cell sites have been restored.

Additionally, yesterday afternoon we began providing other carriers’ customers the ability to roam on our networks, even if their carrier’s service isn’t available after the storm. As a result, customers will automatically be connected to our network if their carrier’s network is not available.

The FirstNet team continues to support public safety and FirstNet subscribers by deploying full-scale communications solutions. The FirstNet fleet of SatCOLTs (Satellite Cell on Light Trucks) are rolling out to DeSoto, Hardee, Lee and Sarasota counties. Sites are already on-air in Charlotte, Collier, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties. Also in the dozens of requests, FirstNet cell sites were restored in Hendry, Lee and Orange counties.

Working in close consultation with state officials in Florida, we are working to gain access to Sanibel Island to begin to restore communications there. The FirstNet team loaded a portable cell site onto one of the newest members of our disaster recovery fleet, the amphibious vehicle (pictured below) currently navigating to the island.

AT&T Networks Prepare for Hurricane Ian

TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 26, 2022, 5:12 p.m. EST

AT&T* is ready for Hurricane Ian with an arsenal of disaster response equipment and personnel on standby to support impacted communities and public safety on FirstNet® – America’s public safety network. 

We are closely monitoring and preparing for Hurricane Ian. The storm is expected to impact Florida over the next few days. Our preparation includes:

• Topping off fuel for generators.
• Protecting physical facilities against flooding.
• Staging other emergency response and network recovery equipment in strategic locations for quick deployment following the storm.
• Staging dedicated FirstNet deployable network assets for use by public safety agencies on FirstNet to request as needed.

As we have in the past, we have installed more generators at critical cell towers and switching facilities, and moved electronics essential to network operations above expected flood levels. Additionally, our Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) team is on standby in Florida and prepared to deploy assets as needed.

“Customers and first responders rely on us, especially during major storms," said Joe York, president, AT&T Florida. “That's why we practice readiness drills and simulations throughout the year. And we do all we can to have our networks prepared when severe weather strikes. We’ve worked for the past few days to position equipment and crews and are ready to respond when needed. We’re also closely linked with Florida public officials in their storm response efforts.”

The AT&T Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) program is one of the industry’s largest and most advanced disaster response programs. Our fleet includes hundreds of technology recovery and support trailers that can be quickly deployed to support customers and first responders.

Response equipment readied in the wake of an event includes:

• Mobile cell sites and command centers
• Portable generators and fuel
• Amphibious vehicles to reach equipment in flooded areas
• Emergency communications vehicles (ECVs)
• Drones for assessing cell site damage
• Self-sufficient base camps: complete with sleeping bunks, bathrooms, kitchen, laundry facilities, an on-site nurse and meals ready to eat (MREs).
• Hazmat equipment and supplies 
• Technology and support trailers to provide infrastructure support and mobile heating ventilation and air conditioning
• Internal and external resources for initial assessment and recovery efforts

Just as we prepare, we encourage residents to do the same. Additional information and tips for disaster preparedness can be found on our Disaster Recovery page.

AT&T employees volunteer to assist residents impacted by Hurricane Ian in Port Charlotte and Fort Myers by providing water, snacks and a charging station.

Fort Lauderdale: Our team was stationed in Fort Lauderdale prior to the storm's landfall, always ready to haul equipment to impacted areas to provide critical communications. 

Lakeland: Our fleet consists of hundreds of network recovery support trailers and equipment, readied for rapid deployment. 

Ocala: We stationed a team in Ocala with deployable network disaster recovery equipment to keep public safety and impacted communities connected. 

Tallahassee: Our team was stationed in Tallahassee prior to the storm's landfall to deliver connectivity to impacted areas.

High Water Vehicles allow us to access network equipment in areas with flooded roads, like southwest Florida.

AT&T Network Disaster Recovery and FirstNet teams left their homes earlier this week to stage in strategic areas of Florida and Georgia. They've been on stand-by for calls for help and recovery from first responders, customers and communities with our arsenal of recovery equipment, full-scale communications solutions and mobile living quarters. We go where public safety goes to keep our customers connected.