How wireless companies keep signals alive in wildfires
LOS ANGELES (KTLA) – Communications companies are stepping up to support communities impacted by the recent Los Angeles area wildfires with network reinforcements, and they are making a difference.
According to Ookla, the three major networks experienced service disruptions during the initial fire outbreak, but quickly restored service.

“I think we have 5 macros out of service, comparatively speaking, when the first fire broke out it was 140,” said Steven Keller of Verizon.
The biggest challenge? Power outages.
All the major carriers rely on mobile cell phone towers to patch service gaps or increase capacity.
“It’s a temporary deployed asset. So to ensure that we have our best and our most capable wireless service and technology available right here on the spot,” said Keller.

Verizon says it has over 550 mobile assets ready to deploy, including drones.
AT&T rolled out mobile towers on trucks and activated its specialized first responder network, which is called FirstNet.
I saw a lot of the efforts in action near Will Rogers State Beach along PCH, which is just at the beginning of Pacific Palisades. Various first responders have setup a mobile command post an and the mobile network providers were also there to keep them connected.

“I mean obviously connectivity, communications, or everything to know where our resources are, where our units are, where all of our folks are,” explained Captain Rich Moody with the Los Angeles Fire Department.
T-Mobile deployed mobile satellite cellular antennas and prioritized first responders’ traffic on their network, and equipped them with eSIMs. T-Mobile also activated Starlink Direct to Cell, which lets customers send text messages via satellite when cellular service is unavailable.
Speaking of Starlink, the company outfitted cybertrucks with satellite internet, turning them into mobile WiFi hotspots. Starlink is also offering LA customers their first month of service free.
Finally, Spectrum activated thousands of free WiFi hotspots across the city. Just connect to “Spectrum Free Trial” to get online.