Hawaii Telecoms Ready Backup Networks for Tropical Storm Lala as Utilities Warn of Multi-Day Outages
Updated
Updated · Hawaii News Now · Aug 14
Hawaii Telecoms Ready Backup Networks for Tropical Storm Lala as Utilities Warn of Multi-Day Outages
3 articles · Updated · Hawaii News Now · Aug 14
Summary
Hawaii internet and phone providers have topped off generators, staged repair crews and accelerated critical infrastructure upgrades ahead of Tropical Storm Lala, aiming to limit service disruptions.
Hawaiian Telcom said any restoration would prioritize hospitals and shelters over residential areas if outages hit, reflecting expectations that power losses could drive communications failures.
AT&T highlighted deployable assets for first responders, T-Mobile expanded T-Satellite with Starlink across Hawaii for compatible devices, and Verizon said its towers have battery backup, hurricane-wind design and portable generators for longer outages.
Verizon said most sites on Hawaii island and Maui already have permanent generators, while urban Honolulu relies more on portable units and backup links through fiber, microwave or satellite.
The preparations come after Hawaiian Electric warned Lala could trigger multi-day outages—especially on the Big Island—and urged residents to charge devices and enable wireless emergency alerts.