On Tuesday, Verizon demoed its new field tool built for keeping the signal strong during disasters - a super truck named THOR. Verizon is aware of the constantly changing landscape of natural disasters brought on by climate change, and it's looking to play a part in being there when the worst happens. Communication is at the front line in serious situations, so putting together a tool in order to aid those who need it most is a step in the right direction.
When disasters happen, they can come in any shape and size and can place a huge demand on telecom infrastructure needed to keep communication up and running for everyone. Whether it's a raging wildfire or a typhoon, the system that keeps people connected needs to be operating as efficiently as possible. Companies like Verizon have been looking into strengthening these systems, due to how important and crucial they become during disasters.
In partnership with the Department of Defense's NavalX and the SoCal Tech Bridge, Verizon showcased its first demo of what the company refers to as "the Swiss-Army Knife of Verizon Frontline services." The vehicle, built on a modified F650 chassis is a "private Verizon 5G Ultra Wideband and mobile edge compute (MEC) rapid-response command center vehicle." Dubbed super truck also has the ability to become a commercial drone control center. Apparently, all of these systems can be controlled via a tablet, allowing for a minimal crew.
Bringing The Cell Tower To You
The point of THOR is to provide emergency services with access to communications where there would be none if Verizon Frontline didn't provide a remedy. For example, wildfires are a large problem in California, where a vast area of the state lacks coverage, and THOR would likely be an absolute benefit to first responders. The prototype's aim is to assist frontline workers and the Department of Defense with not only communications but risk assessment as well. Verizon says its been developing this advanced network for first responders for nearly three decades with the cooperation of public safety officials.
The increasing risk of natural disasters only increases the need for initiatives like Verizon's. The more 5G rolls out in places, the greater the access there will be to the internet and each other. However, disasters will still prove problematic in many places and, although Verizon's THOR is only a prototype right now, it points towards an improved network for those on the front line when a disaster strikes.
Source: Verizon