Keeping First Responders & Communities Connected in Times of Crisis

Trey Rabon – President, AT&T North Carolina
October 16, 2024
Community Impact, Public Safety


Keeping First Responders & Communities Connected in Times of Crisis

Our thoughts continue to be with those who are recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Helene and the first responders deployed throughout western North Carolina. In times like these, the essential need for dependable connectivity is especially clear. Our Network Disaster Response teams have worked around the clock to restore communications in some of the hardest-hit areas following Hurricane Helene. AT&T’s teams continue working collaboratively with our public and private sector partners to replace damaged infrastructure across the region. We have made tremendous progress, but there remains work to be done.

As our recovery and cleanup work continues, we ask communities to be mindful that lines on the ground are providing critical connections. Please do not cut any lines on the ground and do not disrupt equipment – whether generators or other infrastructure.

Keeping First Responders Connected in Times of Crisis

In a recent CBS Saturday Morning feature, AT&T’s FirstNet®, Built with AT&T was highlighted as an essential partner in ensuring critical communications for first responders during natural disasters. In North Carolina, our FirstNet Response Operations Group™ (ROG) has been working tirelessly to provide seamless communication for public safety and first responders. FirstNet’s priority services allow emergency teams to stay connected when it matters most, providing unmatched reliability and resiliency in the wake of hurricanes and other crises. Watch the full coverage to see how our ongoing investments are making a difference in saving lives and protecting communities. 

Supporting Our Communities

To assist communities impacted by Hurricane Helene, AT&T is contributing $300,000 to various organizations across the affected states, including $100,000 to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund. We are fully committed to working alongside our neighbors in aiding the response and recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, AT&T and the non-profit Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC) deployed a Mobile Connectivity Center (MCC) in Asheville to further support those affected. The MCC served as a connectivity resource for those who lost power and needed internet access. It provided facilities to charge devices and offered the use of 16 computers.

AT&T is Committed to Serving Our North Carolina Customers

We understand how important it is to stay connected, and we know this need is even greater before, during and after any natural disaster.

AT&T is waiving several fees, including overage charges for wireless customers in affected areas from September 27, 2024, through October 27, 2024.

Customers currently 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. Many of our retail store locations in impacted areas are open and ready to serve our customers. You can check store locations and hours here.

We appreciate your patience as we continue working to restore service to affected areas of western North Carolina as quickly and safely as conditions allow.

AT&T has been a part of the North Carolina community for over 140 years. We understand the meaning of “Esse Quam Videri” and join our neighbors in choosing to be rather than to seem.

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