In an age where extreme weather and natural disasters are becoming more frequent, the ability to stay connected is essential for both safety and peace of mind. At AT&T, we’re deeply committed to helping ensure all our customers in Hawai‘i remain connected, especially during emergency events.
National Preparedness Month may have come to a close, but we always remain vigilant and ready for whatever may come our way. As we continue to navigate this hurricane season, we wanted to share how AT&T is prepared to support our customers, as well as several tips to make the most of your communication capabilities.
Keeping Customers Connected When There Is Loss of Power
Power outages
AT&T has designed its wireless network in Hawai‘i in preparation for situations where there may be power outages. Though situations may arise that are out of our control, our goal is always to maintain communications for our customers to the fullest extent possible when these events do occur.
Here are some measures we take to help maintain service during power outages:
Cell Site Backup Power: All of AT&T’s macro cell sites have backup power solutions which are designed to last from a few hours up to several days, depending on the type of facility. Power to our sites can be extended by adding mobile generators, as conditions allow, and refueling existing generators.
24/7 Monitoring: AT&T monitors network power needs 24/7, which allows us to identify issues quickly and work to address them.
Multiple Layers of Backup Power: In addition to installing backup power solutions at our macro cell sites, all of AT&T’s switching centers (facilities through which your calls are routed) have permanent stationary generators on site.
Public Safety Power Shutoffs
In the event of extreme or potentially dangerous weather conditions, a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) may be initiated by electric utilities in fire risk areas. A PSPS involves the de-energization of the utility electrical systems to reduce the risk of electric lines igniting wildfires.
PSPS’ have been instituted across many western states over the last few years. AT&T continues to learn from its experiences dealing with such events and adapt our response plans as these events become more frequent and larger in scope.
During a PSPS event and when possible, AT&T will be notified ahead of the power shutoff. In Hawai‘i, we are engaged with Hawaiian Electric and the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative on their PSPS processes and will continue to collaborate with them as these processes evolve.
Once AT&T is notified of a potential PSPS, we will proactively prepare. If potentially impacted areas are identified, we evaluate impacted sites and stage resources, including mobile generators, in advance for quick deployment in an effort to minimize loss of service.
Tips on how you can prepare to stay connected
Here are some tips on how to stay connected during a power outage:
Supporting Public Safety with FirstNet®, Built with AT&T
We’re also focused on helping first responders in Hawai‘i and nationwide stay connected and operate faster, safer and more effectively when lives are on the line as public safety’s partner delivering FirstNet®, Built with AT&T – America’s public safety network. The FirstNet Response Operations Group™ (ROG) works hand-in-hand with public safety to help ensure they have the connectivity they require. As part of public safety’s dedicated FirstNet fleet, we have deployable network assets stationed year-round in Hawai‘i. These assets were critical during last year’s wildfires, providing first responders in Lahaina with dedicated connectivity on Band 14 – high-quality spectrum set aside by the federal government specifically for FirstNet.
AT&T’s Commitment to Our Customers
At AT&T, we understand the importance of reliable communication, especially during emergencies. Our National Disaster Response team is solely dedicated to preparing for and responding to such emergencies. They are currently hard at work in the Southeast following Hurricanes Helene and Milton to restore AT&T’s networks (more in this video).
We are continuously refining our disaster preparedness plans and investing in our network infrastructure in an effort to keep Hawai‘i’s residents and visitors connected, safe, and informed. We remain committed to working with our customers and stakeholders to build and strengthen our network services.
