When Texas was earlier this yr and the state’s unbiased energy grid failed, many individuals to entry the web and get details about the scenario because it developed. Climate change is making these kinds of beforehand as soon as in a lifetime climate occasions a extra frequent prevalence and it’s forcing carriers to adapt.
On Tuesday, Verizon (Engadget’s father or mother firm) launched the Tactical Humanitarian Operations Response (THOR) vehicle. The provider constructed THOR utilizing a modified Ford F650 truck. The entrance of the car has seats for a driver and 5 passengers, whereas the “command center” you see on the again has room for 3 people. THOR can convey 5G and satellite tv for pc connectivity to an space the place a pure catastrophe might have knocked community entry out or there wasn’t any connectivity within the first place.
Verizon envisions THOR helping first-responders and the navy “under nearly any conditions,” be that wildfires out in California or following a hurricane in Florida, as just a few examples. The firm developed the prototype with assist from the Pentagon’s NavalX and the SoCal TechBridge. Outside of connecting first-responders and navy personnel, it additionally comes with a tethered drone that can be utilized for search and rescue operations and gathering data on a catastrophe.
This isn’t the primary time we’ve seen a US provider trot out an initiative like this. Back in 2019, AT&T confirmed off , a 55-foot aerostat the provider mentioned may float above catastrophe websites and supply wi-fi communication for first responders.
All merchandise really helpful by Engadget are chosen by our editorial workforce, unbiased of our father or mother firm. Some of our tales embrace affiliate hyperlinks. If you purchase one thing by way of considered one of these hyperlinks, we might earn an affiliate fee.
#Verizon #modified #Ford #F650 #present #firstresponders #cell #entry #Engadget
