Data collected by the FCC indicates that 10 out of the 21 cell sites serving the fire zone of west Maui have restored service. Thi covers cell sites serving Kapalua, Napili-Honokowai, Kaanapali, Lahaina, Launiupoko, and Olowalu , as of 8/13/23 at 6:00 a.m. (EDT).
A number of wireless companies have deployed mobile assets to Maui to support wireless services while fixed cell sites are being restored.
On 8/11/23, the FCC granted special temporary authority to AT&T Mobility to operate two Cells-On-Wheels (COWs) and three temporary microwave sites. The FCC also granted special temporary authority to AT&T Mobility to use several frequencies for microwave backhaul from five cell towers.
Verizon also confirmed that voice coverage has been restored to West Maui, however, data service remains limited. Verizon continues to deploy satellite assets to existing cell sites in order to provide improved coverage and data capacity on the network.
Verizon said its network team and their vendors have worked around the clock since the fires broke out to mobilize and activate emergency assets from Oahu and the mainland to Western Maui. Verizon deployed a COLT (Cell on Light Truck) in Lahaina on August 12 to replace coverage for the infrastructure damaged in the fires. In addition, the fiber optic cable that transports voice and data traffic from cell sites to the rest of the network was damaged by the fire. To replace the fiber transport, Verizon is utilizing a fleet of STEERs (Satellite Trailer Emitting Equipment Remote) to handle voice and data traffic moving to and from its existing sites outside of the fire zone in Western Maui
Also via the FCC, cable and wireline companies reported 16,700 subscribers out of service in the disaster area; this may include the loss of telephone, television, and/or Internet services.
