Wireless Provider Bolsters Network To Ensure Service During Winter Weather Conditions
Ridgeland, Miss., (January 15, 2013) – Despite the onslaught of a wintry mix of freezing rain, sleet and flooding throughout much of the Southeast from Winter Storm Helen, C Spire Wireless has not experienced any service interruptions or impacts to its extensive wireless communications network, officials said Tuesday.
“We do not have any service issues related to winter weather at this time,” said Eric Hollingsworth, vice president of Network Operations for C Spire. “We’re not seeing extensive damage related to ice accumulation yet, but we expect conditions to worsen throughout the week and this could lead to power outages in some areas.”
Hollingsworth said C Spire is taking precautionary steps to bolster its network and mobilize employees to protect against potential damage from the harsh winter weather conditions that already have prompted Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant to declare a state of emergency in 45 counties in the northeastern part of the state. Ice storms and sleet problems also are plaguing southern Arkansas, northern Louisiana and western Tennessee.
“The biggest threat from these weather conditions is flooding, slick roads, especially on bridges and overpasses, tree limbs that may sag or break from ice accumulation and scattered power outages due to downed lines,” Hollingsworth said, adding that C Spire has placed its field network staff on alert in case they need to move into any weather-impacted areas.
In case commercial power is lost, all of C Spire’s stationary generators are fueled, tested and ready to supply backup power and all portable generators are ready for deployment if needed, he said. “Our preparations are designed to give customers maximum reliability from their wireless phones at the time of greatest need. When these types of conditions occur, people depend on their wireless phones as a lifeline to the world.”
The latest forecast from the National Weather Service indicates that the blast of artic air and freezing rain from Winter Storm Helen will continue to move across the Southeast region throughout the week with the possibility of snowfall tomorrow or Thursday in some areas of Alabama, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama.
Hollingsworth said C Spire has extensive experience responding to severe weather conditions, including floods, ice storms, hurricanes and numerous tornadoes that have lashed the region in recent years. “We want our customers to know we stand ready to respond to whatever circumstances come their way.”
The company is coordinating its precautionary preparations with local, state and federal agencies, including the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the office of Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant and the National Weather Service.
About C Spire Wireless
C Spire Wireless is a diversified wireless communications company passionately committed to helping customers by personalizing wireless services designed just for them. The company is the first wireless provider in the U.S. to personalize customers’ experience by offering apps that fit who they are, services that anticipate their needs, and rewards for using their phone in new ways – all with seamless ease and at amazingly fast speeds. This news release and other announcements are available at www.cspire.com/news. For more information about C Spire Wireless and its products and services, visit www.cspire.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cspire or Twitter at www.twitter.com/cspire or Google + or www.pinterest.com/cspirewireless
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