Earthquakes Knock Out About 30% of Cell Sites in Puerto Rico

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The FCC Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau activated the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) in response to the Puerto Rico earthquakes. DIRS is a voluntary, web-based system that communications providers, including wireless, wireline, broadcast, cable and Voice over Internet Protocol providers, can use to report communications infrastructure status during a crisis.

The initial report as of yesterday showed 31.7 percent of the cell sites are out of service in the affected areas. 

(See a list of impacted counties below.) Out of 2,710 total cell sites, 860 are not working; 724 have no power, 103 are experiencing a transport problem and two are damaged, according to what providers tell the Commission. 

Luquillo, Juncos and Aguadilla Counties reported more than 50 percent of cell sites were not working.

Carriers that provide service to affected areas submit and update information through DIRS regarding the status of their communications equipment, restoration efforts, and power (i.e., whether they are using commercial power or back-up power). Telecom providers can access DIRS at: https://www.fcc.gov/nors/disaster/

Impacted counties include: Puerto Rico: Adjuntas, Aguada, Aguadilla, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Anasco, Arecibo, Arroyo, Barceloneta, Barranquitas, Bayamon, Cabo Rojo, Caguas, Camuy, Canovanas, Carolina, Catano, Cayey, Ceiba, Ciales, Cidra, Coamo, Comerio, Corozal, Culebra, Dorado, Fajardo, Florida, Guanica, Guayama, Guayanilla, Guaynabo, Gurabo, Hatillo, Hormigueros, Humacao, Isabela, Jayuya, Juana Diaz, Juncos, Lajas, Lares, Las Marias, Las Piedras, Loiza, Luquillo, Manati, Maricao, Maunabo, Mayaguez, Moca, Morovis, Naguabo, Naranjito, Orocovis, Patillas, Penuelas, Ponce, Quebradillas, Rincon, Rio Grande, Sabana Grande, Salinas, San German, San Juan, San Lorenzo, San Sebastian, Santa Isabel, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Utuado, Vega Alta, Vega Baja, Vieques, Villalba, Yabucoa and Yauco.

January 9, 2020   

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