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County staff, Brightspeed and carriers outline satellite backhaul, mobile cells and microwave measures to preserve 911 after cuts
Summary
Officials said AT&T has enabled satellite backhaul for several cell sites and that mobile cell towers on wheels and revived microwave capability can carry voice/911 traffic when fiber is cut; county staff said they will coordinate public notices about these contingencies.
County staff and Brightspeed discussed interim and backup measures intended to limit the safety impact when transport fiber is cut. County staff reported that AT&T has enabled satellite backhaul for several cell sites (Avon, Hatteras Village, Buxton, Rodanthe, Ocracoke) so those sites can automatically route traffic after a cut, and that mobile cellular units (tower-on-wheels purchased with grant funds) are staged at volunteer fire departments for rapid deployment.
Commissioners and staff said earlier restored microwave capacity can carry landline voice services in certain circumstances so that callers can access 911. A county staff speaker noted that some backhaul steps happened in the days after the cut and that staff are preparing a joint public notice with carriers to alert residents about restored 911 capabilities.
