Hurricane Irene: How Mobile Carriers Are Preparing Themselves â€” and

**Waqas** · August 26, 2011

As the East Coast prepares for a battering from Hurricane Irene, mobile carriers are staying on their toes to keep their networks operating.

As of Friday afternoon, there have been no reports of systems affected by the storm on the East Coast. However, Wednesday’s earthquake in Virginia showed how networks can go down due to an influx of calls, even when systems are not damaged.

The carriers all offer tips to minimize your disconnection during the storm: Be sure to fully charge your phone before the storm hits. Store your phone and other electronics in a dry place. Text messages are more likely to go through than voice calls. Call through an internet supported service like Skype when possible. Email and social networks may be an easier way to stay connected.

While you’re following that advice, here’s how the four main providers are gearing up for the storm themselves:

AT&T:

AT&T FamilyMap and AT&T Navigator can be used to provide evacuation routes and track family members’ mobile devices in case of separation.
Capacity is added to wireless networks to accommodate increased volume.
Backup generators are stored in safe locations for immediate use following the storm.

Sprint:

Portable generators are prepared near network towers and switches.
Resources are waiting outside of Washington, D.C. to aid first responders and public safety officials.
25,000 fully charged Sprint and Nextel Direct Connect phones are available for rent during disaster events.

T-Mobile:

Portable, fueled backup generators are ready to be deployed.
Engineers are on-call with repair equipment along the seaboard.
Cells-On-Wheels are prepared to provide wireless connections in the worst hit areas.

Verizon:

Central network offices have backup generators to ensure land lines operate when power goes out.
Trucks and emergency equipment is being removed from low lying areas.
Emergency relief kits are prepared to ease power restoration.

Image courtesy of iStockphoto, HelleM

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