Complimentary wireless phones and service provided to agencies for relief efforts
MOBILE, Ala. - (July 8, 2005) – Cellular South's Emergency Task Force began early today to restore service to customers in the Florida Panhandle and Coastal Alabama. The wireless company's network in Alabama is now operating at full capacity and in Florida is operating at 90% capacity with most issues related to power outages. The company will work around the clock to monitor and restore wireless service.
All retail locations have reopened. Customers may dial #STORM from their Cellular South phone or dial toll-free 1.888.790.7211 for more information on the status of Cellular South's network and store locations in their area.
First responders rely on wireless service in times of crisis
Cellular South emergency plans include preparing for disasters like Hurricane Dennis and, if necessary, will provide wireless priority service to emergency response personnel, allowing police, fire and disaster-relief teams to immediately receive an open voice channel to place and receive wireless calls.
Cellular South is providing complimentary wireless phones and airtime to a variety of emergency personnel to assist in local relief efforts. Those groups who have received Cellular South phones and services include emergency management agencies in Santa Rosa County (Florida) and Baldwin County (Alabama), Red Cross personnel, Volunteers of America, and law enforcement officials with the Alabama State Troopers, Fairhope Police Department, Spanish Fort Police Department and the Mobile County Sheriff's Department.
"Wireless phones are a vital means of communicating during emergencies," said Shawn Smith, Cellular South area manager. "Families have the reassurance of knowing their wireless phones go wherever they go, and of course, that same mobility is crucial to the work of emergency management and relief personnel."
About Cellular South
The company is the largest privately held wireless provider in the U.S. and is licensed to provide wireless service - to a total population of more than five million people - on its network stretching from the Memphis Metropolitan Area, throughout all of Mississippi, along Coastal Alabama and the Florida Panhandle through Destin/Seaside. For more information, contact Cellular South at 1-877-CSOUTH1 or visit cellularsouth.com.
Contact:
Tanya Rankin, Cellular South (601) 974-7134 trankin@cellularsouth.com
