Our thoughts are with Hawai‘i during this time and our focus remains on keeping first responders, our customers and their families connected.
Network Response
Yesterday, the AT&T Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) team and FirstNet Response Operations Group (ROG) worked with local public safety to deploy a Maui-based portable cell site to provide Band 14 connectivity dedicated to public safety and service for residents (see below photo). An Emergency Response Kit, including 20 FirstNet Ready® smartphones and two Mi-Fi devices, were also delivered.
A FirstNet COW (Cell site On Wheels) was deployed Thursday evening and is providing coverage in and around Lāhainā. More assets will be deployed soon.
Additional resources are on the way, including:
- A new miniCRD™ (Compact Rapid Deployable) that is comprised of 2 ultra-portable ruggedized cases to provide coverage up to ½ mile without relying on commercial power availability
- Satellite solutions to provide Wi-Fi or cell service
- In-building solutions for indoor connectivity
- Portable generators to our cell sites affected by commercial power outages
- Backhaul equipment to restore macro service
- Dedicated FirstNet COWs from neighboring islands, as well as a Flying COW® (or Cell on Wings)
- And a ROG mental health support dog will also be on the ground in Maui.
Our team continues to work closely with those on the ground to deploy our assets as quickly as possible.
Text-to-Give Campaigns
With recovery efforts underway, we encourage others locally and across the country to join AT&T in supporting the communities and families impacted by the wildfires.
In an effort to drive additional giving for those impacted by the wildfires and to make it easy to contribute via your wireless bill, AT&T has teamed up with the following organizations, to launch four Text- to-Give campaigns to provide financial support to The American Red Cross, The Hawai‘i Community Foundation, The Salvation Army, and The Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC).
These foundations are each carrying out vital relief efforts to support the people directly affected by this tragedy. 100% of the funds raised will provide food, shelter, emotional and spiritual care, and other much-needed services to those affected on Maui and the Big Island.
Similar to checking out at a retail store and contributing during the transaction, this easy direct donation option allows anyone to make one or more $10 donations from their mobile device, regardless of who provides your wireless service. The charge will automatically be added to the donor’s wireless bill and all funds raised via the campaign will be given to the established funds; AT&T will pay for all administrative costs.
AT&T Contributions
AT&T has contributed $100,000 to three organizations currently on the ground supporting those affected by the fires.
- $50,000 donated to the Hawai‘i Community Fund
- $30,000 donated to the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC)
- $20,000 donated to the American Red Cross
Employee Efforts
The Company has also established a national employee giving program to support The American Red Cross, The Hawai‘i Community Foundation, The Salvation Army, and The ITDRC, and for employees that donate, their gift may be eligible for a 50% match by the AT&T Foundation.
AT&T employees on the ground and across the country are taking action to support the relief efforts.
On Thursday, the AT&T Kona team gathered donations and worked with “White Glove Movers” to send needed supplies to Maui.
In times like this, we are strongest when we come together. As we continue to work with those on the ground to offer relief in whatever way we can, we hope you will join us in this effort. Your generosity will help bring hope and support those who need it the most right now.
