In the sky and on the ground: A look inside Verizon’s disaster recovery arsenal.

Few experiences are as overwhelming as facing a natural or human-made disaster. These events range from minor inconveniences, like a temporary boil-water advisory, to catastrophic destruction, where homes and businesses are lost, entire communities are devastated, and lives are tragically affected.

When minutes matter, communication is critical

Enter the Verizon Response Team (VRT) and Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team, our tech-savvy heroes who never stop preparing for the next big event. They are ready to mobilize the moment disaster strikes.

The strategy is simple but effective.

• Step 1 - Restore communication for search and rescue efforts—no mission-critical work happens without a solid connection.
• Step 2 - Support public safety and Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), using portable cell sites and mobile command centers.
• Step 3- Back up utilities and community response teams, keeping the infrastructure online while shelters and security escorts get set up.
• Step 4 - Restore service to the entire affected area—modernizing equipment as we go.

A technological zoo on wheels

Standing, rolling, hopping, and flying—Verizon’s disaster recovery fleet isn’t just ready; it’s a well-oiled machine made up of versatile, high-tech assets with some rather colorful names. And yes, you read that right: we’ve got vehicles named after animals, mythological beasts, and even grocery items.

The BIG boys

Sometimes, bigger IS better. These bad boys don’t just restore communication—they provide mobile workstations and facilities to first responders and communities. Think of them as the cavalry, rolling in to save the day.

• Mobile Emergency Operations Center (MEOC): A tactical mobile command trailer, it’s the nerve center for public safety communications.
• International 4300 Truck: A tough-as-nails truck containing communications, first aid and safety equipment to support our Major Emergency Response Incident Team (MERIT). 
• Gooseneck Trailer: Need a command post with satellite Wi-Fi? This trailer’s got workstations and a shelter to support first responders and communities.
• Big Red: Our larger-than-life outreach rig, packed with 24 internet-connected workstations for community support.
• Wireless Emergency Command Center (WECC): Fully equipped with workstations and charging stations, this unit is ready to keep the public connected.
• Store on Wheels (SOW): Verizon’s roving mobile store, bringing devices, equipment, and technical support to areas in need.
• Mobile Connectivity Agile Vehicle: This satellite-powered road warrior brings eFemto and Wi-Fi networks to even the most remote corners.
• Rapid Response Connectivity Unit: A one-stop shop for portable satellite, eFemto, and Cradlepoint connections in hard-to-reach places.

🔗 Did You Know? Verizon’s tethered drone HAWK can reach heights of 300 feet, providing connectivity from the sky, even in areas unreachable by road vehicles. It’s like a flying Wi-Fi hotspot!

Critters on the move: temporary mobile cell sites

Next up are Verizon’s highly-mobile critters. These aren’t your average vehicles—they’re tech-filled lifesavers, ready to restore temporary cell service with power and backhaul capabilities when disaster strikes.

• SPOT (Satellite Pico-cell on Trailer): Need fast connectivity for an emergency operations center? SPOT’s got your back with eFemto and Wi-Fi networks.
• SAT-COLT (Satellite Cell on Light Truck): A mobile cell site with masts and satellite equipment, it’s an all-in-one tool of connectivity.
• COLT (Cell on Light Truck): If permanent towers are down, this truck-mounted site is here to bring coverage back.
• BISON (Business Inclusive Satellite Onboard Nomadic): Multi-functional and dependable, this trailer can serve as a satellite connection or a full mobile cell site.
• COW (Cell on Wheels): Don’t let the humble name fool you—this trailer-based site gets coverage up and running fast.
• STUD (Satellite Trailer Universal Design): Satellite dish in tow, this trailer is ready to create satellite connections or act as a full mobile cell site.
• LAAMA (LTE as a Mobile Asset): With a pop-up mast and antennas, this small but mighty LTE solution brings coverage where it’s needed most.
• HAWK (High Altitude Wireless Kennewhat): A tethered drone that lifts eFemto or small cell solutions up to 300 feet, providing an airborne network solution.
• WOLF (WiFi on Light Frame): Lightweight and agile, WOLF deploys Wi-Fi solutions to keep people connected on the ground.

The mythical and mighty: tactical response vehicles

Some of our assets sound like they belong in a comic book—but trust us, these are very real and very powerful tools.

• THOR (Tactical Humanitarian Operations Response): This mobile cell site packs a punch with a private core, satellite, and MEC capabilities, ready to deploy wherever it’s needed.
• THOR’s Hammer: An extension of THOR’s power, this trailer brings even more connectivity to the table, expanding its capabilities.
• MEOW (Matsing Equipment on Wheels): Handling large capacity events is no small feat, but with its scissor-lift-mounted antenna, MEOW ensures no one goes without coverage.
• BAT (Bi-directional Amplifier Truck): Boosts cell signals like a champ with its mast-mounted signal repeater.

Flying high: mobile network restoration

When the permanent network is down, these assets rise to the challenge, bringing a much-needed lifeline to communities.

• STEER (Satellite Trailer Emitting Equipment Remote): Bypasses damaged fiber connections to reconnect macro cells.
• GOAT (Generator on a Truck): When the power’s out, GOAT is there with a large truck-mounted generator to keep things running.
• TOW (Tower on Wheels): A portable, crank-up tower to restore wireless service when cell towers are down.
• PIG (Plug In Generator): Need portable power? PIG is here to save the day.
• MOUSE (Micro Outdoor Use Satellite Equipment): Small but mighty, this satellite solution pairs with eFemto to bring connectivity to remote locations.

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