Verizon Fires Up Hurricane-Ready Super Switch in Florida

Verizon Wireless, one of the leading mobile phone carriers in the United States, recently announced that it had fired up a new hurricane-ready super switch in the state of Florida, and that at the moment it operated a number of five such switches in the area. The latest Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO) has started serving southern Florida, including the Florida Keys, Miami and Fort Lauderdale areas, this month, the company notes.

According to the wireless operator, these switches are meant to strengthen wireless coverage and services for Verizon's users in the state, both year-round and during hurricanes or other emergencies. The newest super switch is housed in a $50 million, 45,000-square-foot facility, and it has been built to support millions of voice calls and wireless data transmissions every day, the carrier states.

At the same time, the company notes that its switches have been designed to withstand a Category 5 hurricane. They feature hardened shells, as well as large-scale, on-site power generation, redundant operations and technologies, and other back-up systems more. The MTSOs have also been built to serve as Emergency Operations Centers for Verizon Wireless for the company's engineers and technicians in the event of a crisis.

“Our customers count on us for their wireless service, especially in times of crisis when they need it most. We prepare year-round for hurricanes and other inclement weather,” said Pam Tope, Florida region president for Verizon Wireless. “With these super switches, customers who travel to and live in Florida, where hurricanes can be devastating and deadly, will have reliable, advanced coverage and services during hurricane season and throughout the year.”

The new investment includes efforts by the Verizon Wireless Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery team aimed at making sure that the carrier's network remains operational even in times of crisis. Moreover, the company notes that it is committed to continue investing in its network so as to make it the largest and most reliable in the US.