Verizon provides Hurricane Ian responders with cellular connectivity by way of drones

Verizon is using a fleet of drones over southwest Florida to provide cellular connectivity to first responders who working around the clock in search and rescue missions to find survivors who may be trapped inside one of the more than 400 buildings destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Tethered drones that can fly for up to 1,000 hours are beaming down 4G and 5G coverage for an approximate radius of five to seven miles. Cory Davis, National Director for Verizon Frontline's Response Team and Public Safety Operations, told DailyMail.com He explained that along with the drones, Verizon is using satellites that beam down internet from low Earth orbit, generators hitched to trailers and recently sent a portable cell site on a barge to Sanibel Island, which has been completely cut off by the hurricane. Ian hit Lee County, home to Fort Myers, the hardest and Verizon, which is calling the county'ground zero,' is using the most assets to provide communications for first responders who have rescued hundreds of people since the monster storm made landfall last week.