AT&T’s FirstNet, Verizon Frontline connect first responders in Maui (HI)

Network restoration crews employed by wireless operators are accustomed to responding to emergencies caused by hurricanes, but the wildfires that devastated western Maui (HI) are a completely different animal. “We’re working around the clock. We have dozens of people on the ground and we’ve deployed dozens of assets,” said Scott Agnew, head of FirstNet operations at AT&T, noting that it’s a company-wide effort involving public safety, network, retail and other teams. When the fires ignited, AT&T FirstNet had a SatCOLT, or Satellite Cell on Light Truck, in Lahaina, but as they learned more about the event, they realized they needed to transfer a lot more equipment. By that time, a lot of different organizations were trying to get to the island, which meant barges and cargo planes going to Maui quickly filled up. AT&T deployed a cell tower on wheels in Lahaina and set up two additional SatCOLTs. The company is using drones to assess damage to cell sites, as well as indoor coverage solutions and a host of other assets. Some wondered why it took so long to get equipment to the island. Why not permanently stage it there? Agnew said that’s not practical and makes it more difficult to transfer gear to another location when it’s needed somewhere else. “We designed this program to be able to go anywhere within 14 hours,” he said, adding that FirstNet public safety agencies have full visibility as to what’s going on, meaning they can see every site that’s impacted or has a connectivity issue. Practically and financially speaking, “you can’t design … for every possible scenario,” he said.