Two and a half weeks ago, AT&T demoed its Network Disaster Recovery in Central Florida to the local media to inform viewers about the importance of establishing emergency communications in case hurricanes arrive to the state. At the tour of the AT&T Technology Recovery Drill in Orlando, FL, the Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) team performed drills featuring various recovery equipment for use wherever immediate communication networks are needed. In the last two decades, NDR has brought emergency comm services during 9/11 in NY, Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, and other disasters. Long-time Florida residents know too well communication is of utmost importance. Voice and data services do play an important role in such situations.
“We chose Central Florida for this exercise to help local and regional first responders understand NDR’s role in restoring communications for an area impacted by a disaster,” said Mark Francis, AT&T VP of Network Operations. “These exercises help ensure that our NDR team is well-practiced and prepared to restore communications for our customers in the critical moments during and after disaster strikes.”
Among the many pieces of equipment used during the recovery drill demonstration at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel:
· Nine Technology Recovery Trailers, including one all-IP trailer that is able to handle massive amounts of network traffic
· Satellite COLT (Cell on Light Truck – a cell tower than can be moved anywhere via truck)
· Mini Cell on Light Trailer (mini COLT)
· Two Emergency Communications Vehicles
· Command trailer – a 53-foot trailer with pop-out sides where the incident management team works
· Tool and Supply Trailer (a small hardware store)
· Power Trailer and Power Distribution Trailer
· Hazmat Response Trailers
Check out the images from the event as well as video (in Spanish) from Noticias Univision Florida Central.
[Sources]: AT&T: AT&T Network Disaster Recovery. Noticias Univision Florida Central: Preparación para la temporada de huracanes.
Noticias NewsWire 
