RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon is
using drones to help with cell site inspections from the air in
North Carolina and South Carolina to survey areas impacted by
severe flooding from Hurricane Matthew. The quadcopter used for the
inspections is an unmanned aerial system (UAS) operated by Measure
UAS Inc., to inspect cell sites in difficult to reach locations and
share vital information on any damaged equipment.
"We understand how vital wireless communication is to connect
with loved ones, reach out for help and start the long process of
recovery during and after an event like Hurricane Matthew," said
Nicki Palmer, Chief Network
Officer. "While we were able to access most sites quickly to
assess damage, some sites were not accessible to us due to extreme
flooding. We are very pleased that we now have this new tool to add
to our already extensive list of preparatory and recovery efforts
to help inspect our network assets and expedite recovery time."
The UAS is able to both record and livestream HD video and
high-resolution photographs of a cell site. The first flight to a
site surrounded by water near Elm City,
N.C. and the Tar River Reservoir showed engineers that the
base station equipment – which was elevated on stilts – was not
underwater and had not suffered visible damage.
After determining the site was safe to access, Verizon's Network
team secured an air boat and refueled the generator, bringing the
site back into service within hours.
Long history of reliability in major storms
Verizon's
Network team has significant experience planning for severe storms
like Hurricane Matthew. "We design and engineer our Network to
be the most reliable when our customers need it most," said
Palmer.
Here are a few of the many steps the Network team takes to
ensure reliability:
- building in redundant systems into the Network, including
battery backup and generators at cell sites so they can run without
commercial power
- pre-arranging refueling operations to keep Network facilities
running
- pre-staging equipment for faster repairs and having our
engineers and technicians on 24-hour standby as needed
- reinforcing equipment and buildings to withstand water and
strong winds
- using new technology, including drones, to help access
facilities in inaccessible locations to speed recovery
Palmer added that Verizon customers "had the best Network
experience" during and after the storm compared to the competition.
"Our Network had less impact and a faster recovery time vs. the
competition's networks. Customers count on our service – we take
that responsibility very seriously." She reported that over 99
percent of the company's cell sites in the Carolinas are up and
running serving customers.
Successful trials using drones
Verizon completed
successful cell site inspection trials earlier this year in
New Jersey providing valuable 3-D
imagery and system performance data via UAS/drone. Now the company
has several vendors to aid Verizon's network maintenance and
operations.
Measure is operating these flights with FAA authorization and
uses a two-person crew that includes a ground pilot for the UAS and
a visual observer of the operation for safe, legal and insured
operations.
Last week, Verizon conducted the first ever trial with Verizon's
Airborne LTE Operations (ALO) during an emergency management and
disaster recovery exercise in Cape May,
N.J. The exercise simulated how Verizon's Network can
provide 4G LTE coverage from a 17-foot wingspan unmanned aircraft
system, operated by American Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (AATI),
to first responders in an area impacted by a severe weather event
where no wireless service is available. While this is the first
simulation in an emergency scenario, AATI and Verizon are
conducting trials nationally testing connectivity between manned
& unmanned aircraft and Verizon's 4G LTE network including
in-flight connectivity.
MEDIA: UAS Cell Inspection Video here:
https://www.webcargo.net/d/10637102/ssvwb5s8OD/
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) employs a diverse
workforce of 177,700 and generated nearly $132 billion in 2015 revenues. Verizon operates
America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 112
million retail connections nationwide. Headquartered in
New York, the company also
provides communications and entertainment services over America's
most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business
solutions to customers worldwide.
Media contacts:
Karen Smith
612-590-3511
Karen.smith@vzw.com
Kate Jay
678-245-9532
kate.jay@verizonwireless.com
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SOURCE Verizon