(Bloomberg) -- AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. are rolling out generators, backup batteries and technicians to keep their wireless networks operating in parts of California where PG&E Corp. has intentionally shut down power to prevent wildfires.

As many as 750,000 homes and businesses had power cut in what is the largest intentional blackout ever undertaken for wildfire prevention in California. That, in turn, is threatening to access to something almost as vital as electricity: wireless service.

“We are aware that service for some customers may be affected by this event and are working as quickly as possible to deploy additional generators and recovery equipment,” Jim Greer, an AT&T spokesman, said Thursday.

PG&E was forced into bankruptcy in the wake of wildfires caused by its equipment. The company is using large-scale power shutdowns now to prevent another deadly disaster.

Blackouts in Oakland, San Jose and elsewhere threaten to be an economic drag, as stores close and companies are forced to buy generators to keep businesses open.

Representatives from the major wireless carriers, including T-Mobile US Inc. and Sprint Corp., are working with the power companies and emergency services to keep their networks up. Of course, even with networks operating, customers in stricken areas will have trouble keeping their phones charged.

“Our focus has been on ensuring our network remains up and reliable for residents, visitors and first responders in light of the commercial power outages,” said Karen Schulz, a Verizon spokeswoman.

AT&T said it won’t charge subscribers in the affected areas if they exceed their data, calling or text limit, according to notifications sent to customers. The waiver expires Sunday.

To contact the reporter on this story: Scott Moritz in New York at smoritz6@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Nick Turner at nturner7@bloomberg.net, Rob Golum

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