Restoration of Cell Phone Services: Hurricane Helene (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Oct. 8, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF12779 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Jill C. Gallagher; Amanda H. Peskin |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall
near Perry, Florida. The hurricane caused flooding and
damage to personal property and critical infrastructure,
including roads, power, and communication networks. The
storm’s damage spread across parts of Florida, Alabama,
Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia. According
to data reported to the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) by wireless service providers, while
cell sites had been repaired in many counties a week after
the storm (October 3, 2024), some counties’ cell site
outages persisted. Congress may examine public-private
preparedness for communication outages from Hurricane
Helene and consider how to prepare for and respond to
future disasters and restore cell service in hard-hit regions.
Some state and local officials reported coordination with
wireless service providers on preparation and restoration
efforts; others, including a mayor and residents in North
Carolina, reportedly faulted public-private preparation
efforts. Wireless providers reported on preparation and
restoration efforts but noted challenges in some areas.
Challenges derived from damaged critical infrastructure
(e.g., roads) inhibiting access to cell sites, damage to cell
towers and wire lines (e.g., fiber) that connect cell sites to a
provider’s network, and lack of power to cell sites
hindering permanent restoration.
