How Verizon’s Colorado Command Center Post-Fire Response Can Inspire Your TX RX Strategy

Effective communication is critical during emergencies like wildfires. The Marshall Fire–which ravaged Boulder, Colorado on December 30, 2021–led to the destruction of over 1,000 homes and businesses. The impact of the disaster was severe and the reports that followed detailed a variety of communication failures; including but not limited to, overloaded cell towers, inefficient radio systems, and delays in evacuation notifications. These failures underscored the vulnerabilities in communications infrastructure, particularly Verizon’s systems and protocols. 

Communication Issues Faced During the Marshall Fire

In most emergency situations, Verizon has a program for first responders that gives them priority when it comes to cellular network access. However, during the Marshall Fire, most responders found that they had not been given access to the priority program and were being throttled. 

With the aid of the wind, the fire spread so quickly that cellular towers were burning down before they could be utilized. This caused further failures as civilians and responders were unable to send or receive alerts. 

For some civilians, they were getting over-alerted which caused more chaos and confusion when it came to evacuation efforts. Others did not receive any alerts and criticized county officials for not sending out an Amber-style alert to warn them. While the county had been working on installing their emergency alert system, they had not been able to finish before the fire broke out.  

Responders also struggled to communicate with each other via radio as some agencies operate on a VHF frequency and others on an 800 MHz system. These systems couldn’t  communicate with each other and presented a significant issue during the fire. 

Verizon’s Improvements Post Marshall Fire 

In response, Verizon undertook a series of significant upgrades and enhancements to improve their Command Center operations. The Command Center, located in Aurora, Colorado, oversees wireless traffic, monitors network conditions, and ensures the overall resilience of communication infrastructure. Despite its issues, Verizon’s Command Center did everything they could during the Marshall Fire, to maintain connectivity. 

Their mobile fleet was particularly important. Within it includes two vehicles, cellular on wheels (COWs)–a portable base station equipped with an antenna–and cellular on light trucks (COLTs), similar to a COW but with  the ability to run on its own power generator and is built directly onto a vehicle. After the destruction of the cell towers during the Marshall Fire, Verizon dispatched their COLTs to provide Boulder residents with service for two years while new towers were built. 

Another focus for Verizon was enhancing the resilience of their infrastructure. Verizon implemented a range of network hardware and software upgrades designed to improve performance and reliability under extreme conditions. These upgrades included the deployment of a fiber optic network that is capable of handling higher traffic volumes and providing more robust service during emergencies. 

In addition to technological improvements, physical reinforcement of the Command Center was also prioritized. This also included the installation of large generators and battery packs capable of powering their two server rooms for 10-13 hours in the event of a power failure. 

The refinement of protocols was another critical area of focus for Verizon. In the wake of the Marshall Fire, the company incorporated advanced error-correction techniques into their communication systems. The Verizon Command Center uses their two server rooms to work in redundancy to each other allowing for significantly improved performance and ensuring that communication remains reliable even in challenging scenarios. The implementation of these refined protocols has resulted in greater network reliability and efficiency, which was crucial in maintaining service during the emergency.

Real-time data management also played a vital role in Verizon’s response strategy. The Command Center employs sophisticated tools for monitoring network conditions and performance. The ability to collect and analyze data in real-time allowed Verizon to quickly identify and resolve network issues, enhancing the overall reliability of their communication systems during the crisis. This capability was instrumental in maintaining connectivity and ensuring that emergency responders and affected individuals could communicate effectively.

The Aftermath

The Marshall Fire demonstrated the importance of working closely with emergency services, utility companies, and local authorities to manage the impact of the disaster effectively. For example, Xcel Energy, a utility provider in Colorado, has put Verizon on their priority list for emergencies or power shortages. This allows Verizon to stay online during disasters before their own backup systems kick in. Verizon’s ability to collaborate with these entities facilitated a more efficient response and recovery process, emphasizing the need for strong partnerships in crisis management.

How Can TX RX Systems Help Inspire Your TX RX Strategy? 

Drawing on lessons learned from Verizon’s response to the Marshall Fire, we at TX RX Systems have identified several strategies to further enhance our offerings. 

Investing in advanced technological and physical infrastructure while upgrading to state-of-the-art hardware and implementing sophisticated backup systems can significantly bolster communication resilience. 

Verizon’s emphasis on robust mobile disaster fleets and backup power systems illustrates the importance of these elements in maintaining service continuity during emergencies.

Moreover, developing and continuously refining communication protocols is crucial. The Marshall Fire underscored the need for real-time monitoring. By focusing on these aspects, we can ensure that our communication systems are optimized for effectiveness during high-pressure situations. Implementing advanced systems for prompt issue resolution and performance monitoring allows TX RX Systems to maintain reliable communication, even in challenging circumstances.

Partner with TX RX Systems Today

At TX RX Systems, we recognize the importance of fostering partnerships and coordinating with other organizations to enhance our strategies through resource sharing and collaborative problem-solving. Our commitment to these insights emphasizes our dedication to continuous improvement and adaptation. With over four decades of experience and pioneering innovations, TX RX Systems stands at the forefront of radio communication technology. 

If you’re looking to elevate your communication solutions and ensure they are robust enough to handle evolving challenges, TX RX Systems is your ideal partner. Contact us today to explore how our advanced products and strategic expertise can fortify your network’s resilience and effectiveness. Our experts are ready to help you achieve superior communication performance.