Via AccessNow: “The largest mobile carriers in the U.S. have responded to a joint letter from Access Now and WITNESS asking them to provide adequate internet connectivity during the weekend of the presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C. The responses — from Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and U.S. Cellular — indicate that the companies will boost capacity to handle the large influx of visitors to the capital, enabling free expression and documentation of any potential rights abuses. Our joint letter (PDF) specifically cites the need for expanded coverage not only at the inauguration but also demonstrations such as the planned Women’s March on Washington. As we wrote:

The internet is an essential enabler of human rights in the 21st century, and mobile connectivity is particularly important for people to exercise their rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. Robust wireless access to networks, applications, and services enables people to communicate with their loved ones, reach emergency services, and document rights abuses if they occur…

…According to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, companies have a duty to respect human rights, and to take steps to mitigate and remedy violations as they occur. This duty extends beyond simply following the law, and at times can require active pushback against orders that conflict with your human rights responsibilities. We urge you to be prepared for a range of threats to the rights of your users, and to ensure that your company provides adequate network coverage throughout the duration of the demonstrations. Proactive preparation will help you enable access to rights, as well as enhance your reputation among users, over this important weekend.

All five major carriers responded. AT&T announced in December that it planned to boost capacity by up to 400 percent using Super Cell-on-Wheels technology during the inauguration, and outlined further improvements to its networks in a blog post. Verizon Wireless publicly confirmed that it would increase its capacity “for any crowds in the area, regardless of whether they are protesting or attending the inauguration,” according to The Hill.  Sprint also acknowledged the company would be strengthening capacity around the National Mall and nearby areas, while T-mobile pointed us to this Tweet by its Chief Technology Officer: Lots of @TMobile network improvements in DC! New and enhanced sites, plus added Cell-on-Wheels for inauguration. ~10X more capacity! — Neville (@NevilleRay) January 4, 2017…”