Verizon Prepares Its Network for Tropical Storm Isaias

At a glance

– Network response: Verizon teams are positioning mobile assets and monitoring conditions 24/7 – ahead of the storm, teams are filling generator fuel tanks –

– On-the-ground support: Members of our Dedicated Impact Response Team (DIRT) are already in Florida and Alabama – the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team is also on standby in the area to provide mission-critical communications support to public safety agencies –

– Customer resources: Verizon offers preparedness tips to help the community stay connected and protected before the storm –

– Satellite messaging: Verizon customers can keep their essential communications via satellite, allowing compatible cell phones to send text messages or connect with emergency services –

MOBILE, AL — October 7, 2026 — (NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE) — As Tropical Storm Isaias, which is forecast to become the first Atlantic hurricane of the season, moves through the Gulf, Verizon's network team is taking active measures to keep communities, businesses, and first responders connected.

Verizon engineers are monitoring the storm around the clock, positioning mobile assets and fuel reserves, and checking and filling permanent generators as Isaias approaches. All macro cell sites in the region have built-in batteries and nearly all have permanent backup generators, so Verizon's infrastructure on the Gulf Coast is built to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Network preparation underway:

• Equipment positioning: Portable generators and satellite and mobile assets have been positioned in northern Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi, to be deployed quickly after the storm, if necessary. These include Cell on Light Trucks (COLTs), MatSing Equipment on Wheels (MEOWs), and Business Inclusive Satellite Onboard Nomadic (BISON) units.
• Transport redundancy: Backup microwave equipment is ready to reroute network traffic if terrestrial fiber lines are affected.
• Coordination with partners: Verizon teams work directly with local fuel suppliers and electric companies to support fuel supply, power restoration, and infrastructure recovery.
• Specialized field teams: The Dedicated Impact Response Team, or DIRT, is an elite group of engineers and network technicians trained to quickly restore wireless infrastructure after major emergencies such as hurricanes, wildfires, and severe storms. DIRT is deployed on the ground in Florida and Alabama. The Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team is also ready to help public safety agencies on the front lines of emergency operations have the mission-critical communications capabilities they need to do their work.
• Command and switching operations: Key regional switching facilities, including the one in Pensacola, have technical operations teams and volunteers on a 24-hour basis to dynamically manage network traffic.

Satellite, when it matters most

In emergency situations where traditional cellular networks are affected, satellite connections can be a critical lifeline for Verizon customers. All Verizon customers with compatible devices can send text messages to any other customer's device via satellite if terrestrial cellular network service is disrupted. This allows them to continue communicating with first responders, loved ones, and emergency services.

Verizon recommends that customers with devices compatible with satellite connectivity (such as iPhone 14 or later with iOS 18 or later, Google Pixel 9 or later, or Samsung Galaxy S25 or later) test emergency satellite messaging features before the storm makes landfall.

How residents and businesses can prepare before a hurricane

In addition to preparing your device for satellite messaging, we recommend updating your personal digital preparedness plan.

1. Charge your devices in advance: Keep all your cell phones, tablets, and portable batteries fully charged well before storm watches or warnings are issued for your area.
2. Protect your equipment: Store your cell phones, chargers, and external batteries in waterproof cases or heavy-duty resealable bags to protect them from flooding or rain.
3. Establish a communication plan: Define a family emergency plan and save the most important emergency contact numbers directly on your devices.
4. Contact your elderly relatives: Make sure their devices are charged and that they have a communication plan for emergencies.
5. Back up your belongings with photos: Take photos of your home, vehicle, and valuables for insurance purposes. Be sure to upload these images to the cloud so you can access them even if your cell phone is lost or damaged.
6. Take advantage of digital resources: Download weather tracking, news, and American Red Cross safety apps in advance.
7. Reduce disruptions for your customers: Make a list of the software, equipment, service contracts, and vital contacts (utilities, suppliers, authorities) you need to keep your operations running. Review your coverage with your insurance agent to eliminate any gaps.
8. Contacts and documents, the key: Centralize up-to-date contact information for all your staff (including remote and satellite offices) and your family members, and keep secure, accessible copies of your insurance policies.
9. Keep track of your equipment: Maintain an inventory of all company equipment assigned to remote employees to expedite claims for potential loss or damage.
10. The right technology makes the difference: Secure the mobile technology and infrastructure needed to keep your business connected if you have to relocate.
11. Have a backup plan: Establish a protocol to immediately reassign workloads if your remote employees lose power or have to evacuate.

Verizon will continue to monitor Tropical Storm Isaias and provide local updates on network status as needed. Customers can check real-time network status with the Check Network Status tool on the Verizon website or directly in the My Verizon mobile app.

Visit the Emergency Resource Center for more details on Verizon's emergency response capabilities.

This announcement was originally published by Verizon. Read the original press release.

About Verizon Communications Inc.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers the way its millions of customers live, work, and play, and responds to their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, and security. Headquartered in New York City, with a presence in countries around the world, and as a provider to nearly every Fortune 500 company, Verizon generated $138.2 billion in revenue in 2025. Verizon's world-class team never stops innovating to meet its customers where they are today and prepare them for tomorrow's needs. For more information, visit verizon.com or find the nearest Verizon store at verizon.com/stores.

CONTACT:
Carolina Sato
[email protected]

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