How are telcos keeping wildfire-hit Europe connected?
As wildfires spread across Europe, telecom companies are helping communities and emergency teams stay connected, from waiving customer bills to providing satellite communications in areas where mobile networks can’t reach.
Here’s how companies are supporting affected communities and response efforts so far:
Vodafone
In Spain, Vodafone revealed that it will waive all fixed and mobile telecom bills for customers affected by the Almería wildfires.
The support applies automatically to Vodafone customers, including households, self-employed customers and businesses, as well as Lowi customers.
In a statement, José Miguel García, CEO of Vodafone Spain, said: “Our goal is that connectivity is not an added concern at this time.”
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The telecoms giant added that is is also “checking the proper functioning of the mobile and fixed network in the affected municipalities, with the aim of guaranteeing service to both residents and the personnel who continue working on the ground.”
“The company stands in solidarity with all those affected by the fires and their families and wishes to express its recognition and gratitude to the State Security Forces, the UME, the health services and all the emergency teams for their extraordinary work during these days, as well as to the volunteers and neighbour’s who have collaborated in the tasks of supporting the evacuees,” it continued.
Starlink
As wildfires often occur in remote areas where traditional mobile coverage is limited, satellite technology is becoming an important tool for emergency response.
In Spain, Starlink has also activated free satellite texting support in wildfire-hit areas where mobile networks were disrupted.
The service allowed compatible smartphones connected through partner operators, including Movistar and MasOrange, to send emergency messages using satellites when terrestrial networks were unavailable.
Virgin Media O2
In the UK, firefighters tackling a major wildfire near Tintwistle in Derbyshire have been using O2 Satellite to stay connected in an area with no traditional mobile signal.
VMO2 provided 100 satellite-enabled phones to Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, allowing crews to communicate, share updates and access information while working at the fire scene.
Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer, at Virgin Media O2, said: “Firefighters responding to incidents like this work in incredibly difficult conditions, often in remote locations where conventional mobile coverage can be limited or unavailable.
“We’re proud that with O2 Satellite we are able to help crews stay connected during the response at Tintwistle. This is exactly what the service was created to do: complement our terrestrial mobile network and provide an additional layer of connectivity when people move beyond its reach.
“The positive feedback from the brilliant firefighters using the service shows the genuine difference direct-to-device satellite technology can make in the real world.”
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