Verizon delivers connectivity to Houston-area communities, first responders during Hurricane Beryl

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon's network demonstrated resilience as Hurricane Beryl struck Houston. Despite widespread power outages, Verizon quickly restored connectivity for its customers using backup battery and generator power. Ninety percent of Verizon’s macro cell sites in Houston have backup generators. Verizon’s engineers have been working around the clock to maintain and restore services, deploying seven mobile assets to the area. The Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team also provided important communication support to 20 different emergency management teams. Additionally, Verizon set up community resources like portable cell sites and Wi-Fi hotspots and is waiving call/text/data usage costs for affected customers from July 8-17, 2024.

Positive

• Verizon quickly restored connectivity for nearly all its customers during Hurricane Beryl.
• Ninety percent of Verizon’s macro cell sites in Houston have backup generator power.
• Deployment of seven mobile assets ensured continued service and support for first responders.
• Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team supported 20 emergency management teams with various communication tools.
• Verizon is waiving domestic call/text/data costs for affected customers from July 8-17, 2024.

Negative

• None.

HOUSTON, July 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon's network was ready as Hurricane Beryl descended upon the Houston area earlier this week.

All of Verizon’s macro cell sites, which provide large area coverage, have backup battery power, and ninety percent of Verizon’s macro cell sites in the Houston market have backup generator power, meaning that even as millions of people lost electricity, Verizon was able to quickly restore connectivity to nearly all of its customers.

"We know our customers rely on us, which is why we make investments to ready our network for even the most extreme conditions,” said Sandra Loughridge, Associate VP of Network Engineering at Verizon. “Our team has been working around the clock to harden our networks ahead of landfall and to keep our customers and first responders connected in the days since.”

Since Hurricane Beryl first made landfall, Verizon’s engineers have been working 24/7 to assess damage, restore power and fiber connections, and ensure backup systems like batteries and generators are operational and refueled. The Verizon Response Team deployed seven mobile assets across Houston, including five STEERs (Satellite Trailer Emitting Equipment Remote); one SPOT (Satellite Picocell on a Trailer); and one STUD (Satellite Trailer Universal Design).

Verizon Frontline

The Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team moved into the region ahead of the storm and, in the hours following landfall, deployed across the Houston area to provide mission-critical communications support to public safety agencies and Emergency Operation Centers.

The team worked hand-in-hand with 20 different federal, state and local emergency management teams operating in the region to deploy dozens of Verizon Frontline solutions including drones, smartphones, routers, mobile hotspots, and portable satellite assets in support of emergency response and recovery operations.

The Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team provides on-demand, emergency assistance during crisis situations to government agencies and emergency responders on a 24/7 basis at no cost to the supported agencies.

Supporting the Community

Verizon has set up portable cell sites, Wi-Fi hotspots, charging stations and other solutions at community centers around the city of Houston:

• Sunnyside Multi-Service Center
• Acres Homes Multi-Service Center
• BakerRipley Gulfton Sharpstown Campus
• BakerRipley Ripley House
• Northeast Multi-Service Center
  

Verizon is also waiving domestic call/text/data usage costs incurred by postpaid consumer customers and small business customers in storm-affected areas in Texas. The waiver will be in effect between Monday, July 8 through Wednesday, July 17, 2024. You can find more details of this offer on verizon.com.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.0 billion in 2023. Verizon’s world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at verizon.com/stores.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media contact:
Lauren Peterson
lauren.peterson@verizon.com
214-662-3801

Eric Durie
eric.durie@verizon.com
516-382-8219

FAQ

How did Verizon perform during Hurricane Beryl in Houston?

Verizon quickly restored connectivity for nearly all its customers using backup battery and generator power.

What measures did Verizon take to ensure service during Hurricane Beryl?

Verizon used backup battery power, generators, and deployed seven mobile assets to maintain service.

Did Verizon offer any support to emergency responders during Hurricane Beryl?

Yes, the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team provided important communication support to 20 emergency management teams.

Is Verizon waiving any fees for customers affected by Hurricane Beryl?

Yes, Verizon is waiving domestic call/text/data usage costs for affected customers from July 8-17, 2024.

What additional resources did Verizon provide to the Houston community during Hurricane Beryl?

Verizon set up portable cell sites, Wi-Fi hotspots, and charging stations at several community centers in Houston.