ANALYZING CELL PHONE NETWORK RESILIENCE IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Abstract

This thesis assesses the operational resilience of the wireless communication system in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and provides recommendations to protect this system from future disasters. We develop a model of the cellular phone network coverage in the USVI with the Terrain Integrated Rough Earth Model (TIREM)—a Department of Defense and industry standard model for wireless signal assessment. We generate individual and composite coverage maps for each tower and each island to conduct parametric "what-if" analysis of tower failure on cellular service to geographic regions, critical facilities, and communities. Results estimate cell phone coverage during normal operations and in future disaster scenarios. We conclude with recommendations for hardening existing systems to improve network resilience to future disruptions.