Tropical Storm Nicholas

Network Update

September 16, 2021, 2:00 p.m. CDT

We have made significant progress in our restoration efforts since Tropical Storm Nicholas made landfall earlier this week. Overall, our wireless network saw limited impacts and as of this morning, is operating normally in both Texas and Louisiana.

Our teams continue to work on restoring wireline service to areas impacted by Nicholas, as well as Hurricane Ida. As our recovery and cleanup work continues, we ask the community to be mindful that lines on the ground are providing critical connections. Do not cut any lines on the ground and do not disrupt equipment – whether generators or other infrastructure. 

Customers experiencing issues with their AT&T service can reach us at att.com, on the myAT&T app or over the phone. Most customers who call us also have the option to receive a call back at their personal convenience. Customers looking to reach us via phone can contact us 24/7 at 800.331.0500 for wireless support or at 800.288.2020 for Internet support. 

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

AT&T Networks Prepare for Tropical Storm Nicholas

September 13, 2021, 4:40 p.m. CDT

Corpus Christi, Texas - AT&T* is ready for Tropical Storm Nicholas with an arsenal of disaster response equipment and personnel on standby.

We are closely monitoring and preparing for Tropical Storm Nicholas. The storm is expected to impact parts of the Texas coastline, with landfall anticipated by this evening. Our preparation includes:

• Topping off fuel generators.
• Testing high-capacity back-up batteries at cell sites.
• 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 move electronics essential to network operations above expected flood levels. Additionally, our Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) team is on standby and prepared to deploy assets if needed.

“Customers rely on us, especially during major storms,” said Leslie Ward, President, AT&T Texas. “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 if needed. We’re also closely linked with Texas 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 mobile command centers like Cell on Wheels (COWs) and Cell on Light Trucks (COLTs)
• Emergency communications vehicles (ECVs)
• Flying Cell on Wings (Flying COWs)
• Drones
• A self-sufficient base camp: This is complete with sleeping tents, 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 here.