Optimum Prepares Network and Communities Ahead of Cold Arctic Blast Advancing Across the Country

Optimum, a leading provider of fiber internet, mobile, and TV services, has initiated its storm preparedness plan as a dangerously cold Arctic air front is expected to sweep across a large portion of the United States this week. Optimum operates in several markets where the storm is projected to produce hazardous amounts of heavy snow and ice, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, West Virginia, North Carolina, and the New York Tri-State Area.

Our network team collaborates closely with local, state, and national authorities to monitor the storm's forecasted path. By strategically positioning personnel and essential equipment, and safeguarding critical network infrastructure, we work proactively to minimize potential impact for our customers and communities

Our teams conduct the following prior to any storms:

• Weather Monitoring: Monitor the weather 24/7 and provide timely updates to teams across our footprint on any potential impacts to Optimum's network. We also work directly with local, state and federal agencies on the latest forecasts to ensure our network is ready for any scenario.
• Network Assets: Transport Wi-Fi trailers, charging stations and amplifiers to a safe location in areas that are projected to have storm impacts.
• Generators & Fuel: Prepare generators and transport fuel tanks from strategically placed locations throughout our footprint to help power necessary materials. This includes placing 500-gallon fuel tanks on standby to power generators at critical network facilities.
• Network Experts: Strategically place field service, construction, outside plant and fiber experts to be on standby for any response scenario. These employees immediately conduct response assessments following any natural disaster to determine damage and decide immediate next steps to begin restoration.
• Call Centers: Ensure network call centers are prepared for any influx of customer calls and questions.
• Critical Supplies: Replenish and transport other critical supplies like PPE, water and more.

"At Optimum, we understand that staying connected to friends, family and neighbors is critical - especially during severe weather events," said Sean O'Connell, Senior Vice President, Regional General Manager at Optimum. "We encourage all our customers to take proactive steps by charging devices, conserving battery power, and signing up for service alerts. In the event of impact to Optimum's network, our teams will respond as safely and quickly as possible to restore service and support our communities."

Steps for Customers to Prepare:

• Save Battery: Connectivity can be your lifeline in an emergency. Charge cell phones, tablets, and other wireless charging devices.
• Optimum Alerts: Make sure we have the correct contact information and you're signed up to receive service-related text messages.
• Fuel Up: Ensure your vehicle is filled with a tank of gas. In the event of a power outage, your vehicle can be used for device charging.
• Create a Plan: Mother nature can be unpredictable so do everything you can to be prepared and let others know of your location in case of major emergencies.

While Optimum will work to restore service as quickly as possible, we are also committed to keeping our employees safe during severe weather events. Weather conditions, accessibility, and safety concerns can all impact how quickly service is restored. In many cases, especially when outages are caused by downed power lines or damaged utility poles, technicians must coordinate closely with the power company or other involved internet providers.

Before beginning repairs, they often need to wait for these companies to assess and complete their own work to ensure the area is safe and accessible for internet service crews. Only after receiving clearance from the appropriate parties can technicians replace damaged equipment, reroute cables, or proceed with restoring service.

We encourage customers to prioritize safety and preparation for their homes and businesses. We're continuing to monitor the weather and will provide updates as needed via our newsroom page and customer communications.

To learn more about internet outages, including the causes and restoration process, read Optimum's latest blog post here.