Cell providers complete first round of service restoration in tornado damaged areas, more to come

The Regional Emergency Operations Center reports cell service providers have completed an initial round of temporary service restoration efforts along the tornado damage corridor in Kentucky.

According to a news release, the current level of cell and data service available now is the best that it can be for the next three to six months.  Crews from all the major carriers have restored what can be restored and have filled in with portable cell towers where practical in the midst of tornado ravaged areas.

A report from the cellular service providers states, “The mitigation strategies in place for the physically damaged tower structures in Graves, Marshall, and Muhlenberg Counties have been adopted as long-term solutions until the tower structures can be repaired or replaced.

Temporary Cellular On Wheels units have been placed next to existing towers that are out of service at Mayfield, Dawson Springs, and Benton.  Several damaged cell towers that remain in service will have to be replaced before cellular and data signals can return to levels prior to the December 10, tornado.