Watch video as Verizon allows those affected by the storm to stay in touch

Verizon has released the latest update on how things are progressing in the Northeast in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The carrier has crews working around the clock in the hardest hit areas of New York and New Jersey although there was a set back on Saturday with ConEd. The electric utility has pushed back its estimate and is now expecting restoration of commercial power in lower Manhattan by next Friday. Without power, Verizon is unable to fully reopen some facilities that would allow the carrier to restore service to hard hit businesses in the area. Even though having back-up power helps Verizon restore some services, the damaged equipment still must be repaired. Verizon has produced a video showing how their crews are working to get service back to customers.

Another video shows the mobile trucks that Verizon has sent into the area to allow those without cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity to communicate to family and friends. Verizon says it will replace for free, any equipment damaged by Hurricane Sandy which we would imagine would include smartphones. Verizon Wireless stores in the affected regions have stayed open to allow users to charge their phones or tablets. Verizon has rolled its Store on Wheels into New York and New Jersey also to help people recharge their mobile devices. Everyday, things get a little better and hopefully the carrier will be back to full strength soon.

source: Verizon (1), (2), YouTube (1), (2)