This post first appeared on the AT&T blog.
By John Sisak & Shannon Browning
With hurricane season behind us, we’re already gearing up for what’s next — winter storms. Our team is always on, prepping year-round so there’s no downtime for our network.
AWOC Season Outlook
At the core of our network readiness is our AT&T Weather Operations Center (AWOC). This team of meteorologists uses advanced weather modeling tools to provide targeted weather intelligence for our internal AT&T teams to help us plan. This mitigates the risk to our network, assets and employees on an everyday basis and during major winter weather events.
Just like you might check the weather for your travel plans or morning commute, our teams rely on AWOC’s guidance to determine how to tackle any potential impacts to our network, while prioritizing safety.
Winter-Ready Network
And when disaster does strike, the Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) program is ready. AT&T leads the way in disaster and emergency response – from investing more than $1 billion into the industry’s largest disaster recovery program since 1992, to driving cutting-edge connectivity that redefines resilience and heightens performance. The AT&T fleet includes more than 750 pieces of specialized response equipment,ready for quick deployment at a moment’s notice.
Given winter’s unique challenges, we:
- Add assets like bulldozers and snowcats to our inventory.
- Move dedicated winter utility terrain vehicles with tracks into the region.
- Place snow chains in disaster recovery vehicles.
- Enable satellite dishes/panels with heating elements for snow and ice.
- Help ensure generators can handle freezing temperatures by including anti-gel additives for fuel and allowing time for the engine to warm up, prior to connection.
When the threat of a winter storm is near, our teams:
- Boost network capacity to accommodate increased call volume.
- Test backup batteries at cell sites.
- Stage portable generators and maintain existing fixed generators.
- Position emergency response and network recovery equipment in strategic locations for quick deployment following a storm.
FirstNet Response Operations Group
America’s Public Safety Network, FirstNet®, Built with AT&T, is always ready. Unlike commercial carriers, FirstNet is an entire program built from the ground up to exclusively support first responders and the essential services they provide. The FirstNet Response Operations Group™ (ROG), led by former first responders and supported by more than 190 assets, is ready to provide backup connectivity to first responders when needed.
Our Goal: Keep Customers Connected
By continuously monitoring conditions, conducting preventive maintenance, and rapidly deploying resources, we ensure our network remains robust and reliable no matter the weather. Our focus is on keeping our customers connected when it counts most, so you can rely on AT&T through every storm.
FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
