Q. What is AT&T Remote Mobility Zone?
A. AT&T Remote Mobility Zone is a small cell site that businesses and government organizations can set up on their own to activate voice and data services in the absence of wireless coverage. It comes in three different configurations, so customers can pick the type of service that makes the most sense for them:
The “fly-away” option fits into a couple of small cases, allowing users to bring cellular service with them nearly anywhere they go in the US. It’s ideal for first responders in disaster scenarios, when primary wireless networks might be knocked out.
With the “park and use” configurations, AT&T technicians install the cell site into a vehicle and mount satellite antennas on the vehicle’s roof to enhance communications on the go.
The “fixed site deployment” is a permanent installation – great for business continuity purposes or in areas where wireless coverage isn’t readily available.
Q. Why might organizations need a Remote Mobility Zone?
A. AT&T Remote Mobility Zone works well for any organization that wants the assurance of having backup capabilities when standard wireless service isn’t available. If a disaster interrupts cellular service, AT&T Remote Mobility Zone can reduce downtime for business and government clients that cannot afford communications disruptions.
In addition, AT&T Remote Mobility Zone’s small cellular networks can serve as primary communications outlets in locations where mobile connectivity wasn’t possible before.
Q. Why did AT&T launch this service?
A. We’re committed to providing high quality communications services to our customers, no matter what the circumstances. If a blizzard takes out a cell tower, we believe that police officers, emergency medical technicians and other first responders should still be able to talk to one another. If companies are based in remote areas, we still want to offer them the benefits of mobile voice and data services.
Q. How does the technology work?
A. AT&T Remote Mobility Zone uses PicoCells, or small cellular network sites, to supply mobile voice and data services to a select area. The individual PicoCell base stations can support up to 14 concurrent calls, with the option to link two stations together to enable 28 calls at a time. AT&T Remote Mobility Zone operates using AT&T’s licensed spectrum, allowing customers to use their existing mobile devices over the PicoCells.
Q. Can anyone get access to the networks created by AT&T Remote Mobility Zone?
A. If the service is set up as an “open” system, anyone with a compatible device can access the service. However, we recently added a new feature, called “network white list” to the AT&T Remote Mobility Zone offer. Organizations that purchase AT&T Remote Mobility Zone can now place restrictions on the mobile phone numbers that are able to access the cell site. With this feature, businesses and government agencies can ensure that only employees or other authorized personnel make calls and use data services on the AT&T Remote Mobility Zone network, so that it’s available to those who need it.
Q. Does AT&T have any other services that support communications in disasters or remote areas?
A. Yes, we have developed a variety of solutions to address critical communications needs. Experience has showed us that staying connected – in any situation – is a top priority for businesses and government agencies.
AT&T Satellite Augmented Mobile service, for example, combines cellular and satellite communications in a single mobile device. For day-to-day use, the device connects to cellular networks just like any other smartphone. In remote areas or in disaster scenarios – when cell service isn’t available – the Satellite Augmented Mobile smartphone can easily get voice and data services up and running via satellite connectivity.
Q. Where could you see an AT&T Remote Mobility Zone unit in Alaska?
For more information on the AT&T Remote Mobility Zone: www.att.com/ARMZ
To contact an AT&T Business Sales representative in Alaska: 1-866-278-0004
