Verizon Wireless Sends Emergency Relief To Oklahoma Tornado Victims, First Responders And Customers

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Verizon Wireless is providing first responders, its customers and the general public in tornado-struck central Oklahoma with wireless emergency relief in the form of added wireless communications capabilities, increased network capacity, including disaster relief vehicles where customers will be able to make calls, charge phones, and connect to the Internet.

The company also announced that it will waive overage charges for voice, data and text use in the interim for customers on limited usage plans who have had to turn to their wireless service as their only means of communications in the disaster.

The Verizon Wireless network is operating well and at capacity.  The company will be deploying cell sites on light trucks (COLTs) and cells on wheels (COWs) to hardest hit areas to add calling capacity.   In a disaster when call volumes are high, customers are always encouraged to use text messaging to communicate. 

“We are working to meet customers’ needs and be there when they count on us the most,” said Dean Taylor, president of Verizon Wireless-Oklahoma. “In addition to waiving phone overages, we have teams on the ground and in stores to assist customers.  Our network is fully operational and we’re bringing in additional equipment to help support the high call volume,” said Taylor.

Verizon Wireless announced the following disaster relief efforts available for those who are affected by the tornadoes in Oklahoma: 

Verizon Wireless Waives Fee

Verizon Wireless is waiving any text, voice and data overages for customers in the communities affected by the tornadoes in Moore and Shawnee in Oklahoma until further notice.

Verizon Wireless Communication Stores Open

All Verizon Wireless retail locations are open.  Tornado victims as well as customers may use devices in stores to make calls or seek assistance with wireless needs from store personnel.  

Verizon Wireless Mobile Support Unit

A 53-foot mobile support unit to for residents of Moore and surrounding areas will be located at the Red Cross Shelter located at 201 S Howard in Moore, OK.  This unit is equipped with emergency phones, charging stations and internet capability. 

Verizon Wireless Mobile Command Center

A mobile command center will be available to support public safety officials co-located with the FEMA command center in Moore, OK. 

Verizon Wireless Charging Stations

Verizon Wireless is deploying multiple charging stations to central Oklahoma. Charging stations are equipped with emergency phones, Internet access, laptop computers and charging capability.  Locations for these charging stations are:

  • Red Cross Shelter located at 201 S Howard in Moore, OK
  • Home Depot parking lot in Moore, OK – SW 19th and Telephone Road
  • Shawnee High School – 1001 North Kennedy in Shawnee, OK

For more information on these services, please visit www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s largest 4G LTE network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 98.9 million retail customers, including 93.2 million retail postpaid customers.  Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with more than 73,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  For the latest news and updates about Verizon Wireless, visit our News Center at http://www.verizonwireless.com/news.html or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/VZWNews

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