Tropical Storm Ernesto made its presence known in Puerto Rico as it dumped significant rain and delivered gusty winds across the island. The storm brought challenges for telecommunications providers as they worked to maintain connectivity amidst power outages caused by the severe weather conditions.
Claro Puerto Rico, one of the island’s main telecommunications providers, reported that 98% of its mobile customers remained connected to the network despite the storm. However, 70% of its fixed internet customers experienced service interruptions due to power outages. The company assured that its technical team was prepared to restore service in affected areas as soon as weather conditions permitted.
Liberty Puerto Rico also faced disruptions in its fixed internet service, with nearly half of its customers experiencing outages due to power failures. Despite this, the company stated that all core services were functioning at 100%, with 94% of cell sites operational and providing coverage. Liberty Puerto Rico’s emergency teams were deployed to ensure that customers remained connected through the storm.
T-Mobile, another major telecommunications provider in Puerto Rico, reported that its network remained strong as Tropical Storm Ernesto passed through the region. The company’s previous hardening through permanent backup power solutions helped keep customers connected during commercial power outages. T-Mobile’s emergency teams were on standby to refuel generators, recharge batteries, and repair any storm-related impacts.
In preparation for the storm, the Federal Communications Commission activated its Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) to monitor communications infrastructure in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. DIRS is a web-based system that allows communications providers to report the status of their infrastructure during times of crisis. Providers were required to submit reports to the FCC to ensure situational awareness and coordination during the storm.
Despite the challenges posed by Tropical Storm Ernesto, telecommunications providers in Puerto Rico worked diligently to maintain connectivity for their customers. The dedication of these companies and their emergency response teams ensured that essential services remained operational throughout the storm. As Puerto Rico continues to recover from the impact of the storm, the resilience and preparedness of its telecommunications providers will be crucial in restoring normalcy to the island’s communication networks.
