Description of Action:
The resilience of our networks reflects many years of significant
investment that allows us to continue to serve our customers even
in times of crisis, from extreme weather to other emergency events.
We make enhancements to our facilities and networks based on
assessments of the relevant geographic area and corresponding types
of risks, for example:
• Fire. In fire-prone areas, we proactively eliminate brush and waste
around our buildings and cell sites that could fuel fires.
• Hurricanes. In Florida, our “super switch” facilities can withstand
Category 5 hurricane winds to enable us to continue to serve
our customers.
• Tornadoes. In Missouri, our underground storage unit protects
emergency vehicles and network equipment.
• Blizzards. Our sub-zero switch in North Dakota is housed in a building
designed to withstand extreme snow, ice and flooding.
• Rising sea levels and flooding. Along the coast, we have elevated our
cell towers and base stations to shield our power supply, generators,
cooling systems and transport interface from rapidly rising waters.