Cell phones have been unreliable this week for thousands of people digging out from overwhelming damage after tornadoes swept through the region Sunday night, leaving many in the dark and without a way to communicate.
“There is a huge issue with connection and information in this area,” said state Rep. Esther Helton, R-East Ridge. “It will freak you out because we are used to being connected.”
By Friday afternoon, EPB had restored power to about 51,500 customers who were hit by severe weather on Sunday night. About 8,500 customers remained without power, and total restoration may take until April 21.
In the meantime, being able to communicate via cell phone is crucial as people make do in dark houses, said Chattanooga City Councilman Darrin Ledford, who has worked with Helton to coordinate efforts to improve connectivity with AT&T and Verizon.
On Friday afternoon, AT&T was setting up a satellite backup to try to get the cell tower on Standifer Gap Road working again, Ledford said.