Verizon deploys additional 5G Ultra Wideband to help with Hurricane Ian recovery

Rhea-AI Summary

In response to Hurricane Ian, Verizon is deploying additional 5G Ultra Wideband technology across Lee and Charlotte counties in Florida to enhance connectivity for first responders and residents. This deployment uses C-band spectrum, providing increased capacity necessary for emergency communications. Verizon's engineers have been actively coordinating with emergency management teams, utilizing temporary assets like mobile cell sites and drones to ensure continued service. This proactive approach aims to support recovery efforts in the hardest-hit areas, emphasizing the importance of reliable communication during crises.

Positive

• Deployment of additional 5G Ultra Wideband technology enhances communication capabilities for first responders and residents.
• Coordination with federal, state, and local emergency management teams improves recovery efforts and communication needs.
• Utilization of drone technology to provide coverage in isolated areas like Sanibel Island supports search and rescue operations.

Negative

• None.

LEE COUNTY, Fla., Oct. 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the wake of the most destructive hurricane to hit the Southwestern coast of Florida in decades, Verizon’s engineers are responding quickly to community needs by deploying additional 5G Ultra Wideband technology to critical cell sites in Lee and Charlotte counties this morning to provide greater capacity for first responders, public safety officials and residents connecting to loved ones and critical resources.

“We know being able to connect with the people and resources you need in the aftermath of a storm like this is essential,” said Kyle Malady, EVP and President, Global Networks and Technology. “5G Ultra Wideband provides much greater capacity and will be highly beneficial in supporting recovery efforts in the hardest hit parts of Southwestern Florida.”

The 5G Ultra Wideband being deployed is using C-band spectrum. Verizon acquired an average of approximately 161 MHz of C-band spectrum in markets across the country, providing a huge superhighway for wireless data to travel on. Floridians starting the long road to recovery as well as countless emergency workers and volunteers coming into the markets from across the US will need this extra bandwidth and speed. 5G Ultra Wideband is ideally designed to provide additional wireless speed and capacity for situations like this.

Additional and ongoing recovery efforts

Verizon engineers have been on the ground since before the storm readying teams who have leapt into action to provide wireless connectivity in the state in the wake of the storm. Verizon is in close contact with federal, state and local emergency management teams and is coordinating communication needs and efforts with them.  Verizon engineers are partnering directly with the state and local Emergency Operations Centers on restoration priorities and community needs.

Massive ongoing refueling operations are underway to ensure our permanent and portable generators remain in service until commercial power can be restored. Verizon engineers have moved temporary assets such as mobile cell sites connected with satellite links and fueled with portable generators to provide coverage to local and state forward command centers, search and rescue teams, power restoral staging areas and other first responders.

On Sanibel Island, which was separated from the mainland when the bridge collapsed during Hurricane Ian, Verizon has launched a tethered drone outfitted with a cellular node (a flying cell site) that is providing cellular coverage from the air to support search and rescue teams and first responders on the ground.  The drone provides coverage for an approximate 5-7 mile radius and can fly for up to 1,000 hours.

Additional recovery efforts can be seen on the Verizon Response to Hurricane Ian page which will continue to be updated regularly throughout this event.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $133.6 billion in 2021. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

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: 

Karen Schulz
864-561-1527
Karen.Schulz@Verizonwireless.com

Andrew Testa
973-224-2081
andrew.testa@verizonwireless.com

 

FAQ

What new technology is Verizon deploying in response to Hurricane Ian?

Verizon is deploying additional 5G Ultra Wideband technology in Lee and Charlotte counties.

How does the 5G Ultra Wideband technology help during Hurricane Ian recovery?

It provides greater capacity for first responders and residents connecting to essential services.

Which spectrum is being used for Verizon's 5G deployment?

Verizon is using C-band spectrum for its 5G Ultra Wideband technology.

What assistance is Verizon providing to emergency teams after Hurricane Ian?

Verizon is coordinating with emergency management teams and using mobile cell sites and drones to ensure connectivity.

How is Verizon supporting communities after Hurricane Ian?

Verizon is actively deploying technology and coordinating recovery efforts to enhance communication in affected areas.

What is the impact of Verizon's 5G deployment on recovery efforts?

The additional bandwidth and speed will support effective recovery efforts in the hardest hit parts of Southwestern Florida.