As Tropical Storm Barry bears down on Louisiana, we want to inform you about our network preparedness, service disruption issues, and repair response concerns should we incur heavy damages or outages. We will do our best to keep you updated on outages as they occur via Facebook or phone message on our tech support line (337-783-3436 Option 1).
Network Preparedness:
- Backup Generators: Our two main towers in Crowley and Duson have backup generators to provide power as long as needed.
- Battery Backup: All other towers have battery backup that will last anywhere from 18 -30 hours depending on the amount of equipment at the tower.
- Replacement Equipment: We have backup replacement equipment for all towers should damages occur but not enough to replace ALL equipment in a worst-case scenario.
Service Disruption Issues:
- Extended Power Outages: If power outages occur at our towers for extended periods of time, the battery system will run out and internet service will not be restored until power has been restored.
- Antenna Alignment: Due to high sustained winds, it is possible that radio dish antennas on our tower and on your house may shift and go out of alignment. If that happens, internet service will not be restored until the antenna has been realigned. You may want to note the direction your internet antenna is facing prior to the storm so if it is shifted, you can report that to us.
- Slower Than Normal Internet Service: Internet usage WILL BE at capacity during the storm because everyone will be home inside waiting out the storm using their devices. It will be more than PEAK times ALL DAY!
- Lightning Damage: There is a high probability that equipment on our towers will be damaged.
Repair Response Concerns:
- Our number one priority is to make sure ALL towers are repaired and working properly before restoring service at residences.
- Tower repair response times will depend on favorable weather and the availability of tower crews. We won’t be the only business affected.
- Once towers have been repaired, restoring service at your house will depend on accessibility due to possible flooding in the area.
- Repair times will be longer than normal based on the number of customers affected. There is also a chance we may be short-handed for at time as REACH4 employees maybe flooded in, dealing with power outages themselves, or repairing their own homes.