Alltel Wireless, With American's Largest Network, Provides Support For Southeastern U.S. As Tropical Storm Hanna Approaches

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alltel Wireless, with America's largest network behind it, is continuing to provide digital service to customers as Tropical Storm Hanna heads for possible landfall in South Carolina.

Alltel has network crews in place throughout the southeastern United States ready to provide reliable network coverage if Hanna makes landfall as a hurricane or tropical storm. The crews are prepared to respond to any weather-related emergencies that might threaten communications services in coastal states. Restoration efforts are already underway on the Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Gustav, but those efforts will not impact Alltel's preparations and response for Hanna.

"In critical situations like these, Alltel takes very seriously our responsibility to ensure our customers stay connected to friends and family during the hurricane season," said Chris Smith, executive vice president of network services for Alltel. "Alltel has made significant investments in its wireless network to improve coverage and reliability, and we have taken all the necessary steps to prepare for Hanna."

Alltel will monitor the storm through its network operations and logistics center so that it can respond quickly and effectively with manpower, generators and other equipment to keep customers in communication with friends and family after Hanna makes landfall.

Alltel Wireless retail stores will remain open as long as possible. Stores that are closed will reopen as soon as conditions permit to allow customers access to phone chargers and batteries. Alltel opens mobile retail stores in particularly hard-hit areas.

In preparation for Hanna, Alltel has:

• Secured agreements with vendors to provide fuel to keep trucks and generators running.
• Placed generators on standby in hurricane-prone areas, and tested on-site backup generators for readiness in case of a power outage.
• Prepared to provide lodging, RVs, food and water for technicians working in storm-hit areas.

Customers can prepare for Hanna by:

• Verifying that wireless phones are working properly.
• Programming wireless phones with emergency contact numbers.
• Making sure wireless phone batteries remain fully charged.
• Keeping additional charged batteries on hand along with car chargers. Phones, batteries and chargers should be kept in dry, easily accessible areas.

In addition, once Hanna makes landfall, customers should consider:

• Using Text Messaging instead of trying to place a call.
• Limiting non-emergency calls, whenever possible.
• Waiting 10-15 seconds before dialing again if a call fails to go through.
• Using their camera phones to record damage for insurance purposes.

Alltel is owner and operator of the nation's largest wireless network and has more than 13 million wireless customers.

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