«[Verizon is reporting disruptions to service in the areas hardest hit by the storm including Galveston and the area to the south of Houston, Beaumont and Port Arthur, Tx., and Lake Charles and Lafayette, La.] Wireless communication is a critical resource, especially during an emergency, ... That's why it is so important for us to respond quickly and comprehensively in a time of crisis, and, more importantly, to build and prepare our network to perform well in any situation.»

«Wireless communication is a critical resource, especially during an emergency. That's why it is so important for us to respond quickly and comprehensively in a time of crisis, and, more importantly, to build and prepare our network to perform well in any situation.»

«With several major hurricanes impacting the Gulf Coast this year, we have seen first hand how important wireless service can be before, during and after a storm. Proactive planning is key to staying safe during an emergency.»

«[BATON ROUGE, La., Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- With significant disruption to wireless service in the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina, specifically in New Orleans and surrounding areas and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Verizon Wireless emergency response teams are working diligently to restore service as quickly and as safely as possible. Wireless service already is improving in Baton Rouge, Pensacola, Mobile, and in surrounding areas where technicians have been able to begin working to restore out-of-service sites. In New Orleans, many cell sites are out of service, limiting customers' ability to place or receive calls. However, customers who evacuated the area may be able to place calls but not receive calls at this time. Mobile-to- mobile calling may also be available to some customers. Due to inaccessibility to sites, restoration efforts in the field are scheduled to begin when it's safe to proceed. Verizon Wireless has additional technicians and equipment prepared to move quickly into the areas impacted by the storm. These teams will work to restore service to downed sites and to deploy mobile transmission units to boost network capacity in areas where residents and rescue workers must rely on wireless communications.] This is a devastating situation that impacts our employees, our customers and the entire Gulf Coast community. Our thoughts go out to those who are in crisis, ... Our goal is restore wireless service to affected areas as quickly as possible. We are dedicated to our employees, our customers and our community.»

«The evacuees in Houston have been traveling for many hours to reach a safe place. They're not only exhausted, but most have been cut off from their loved ones and important contacts such as insurance companies since the hurricane struck. Just being able to make a quick call can be of great help and comfort during this uncertain time.»

«The preparation and planning that we put in place prior to the storm is paying off as we deploy recovery crews and equipment to the areas impacted by Hurricane Rita. Thanks to our advanced planning our recovery crews have the generators, fuel, and spare parts that they need to quickly restore service in areas impacted by the storm.»

«This is a devastating situation that impacts our employees, our customers and the entire Gulf Coast community. Our thoughts go out to those who are in crisis. Our goal is restore wireless service to affected areas as quickly as possible. We are dedicated to our employees, our customers and our community.»