Verizon 5G and NORAD Let Kids Check in with the North Pole on Christmas Eve

During the 2002 holiday season (which, to many, feels much longer than 20 years ago). I recall sitting down and watching The Santa Clause 2, the sequel to Tim Allen’s first adventure as the jolly Christmastime legend. In the film’s opening scenes, a plane is shown flying over what audiences already suspect is the North Pole. One of the plane’s operators shouts, “I’m getting something on the sonar!” After donning an aviation headset, the operator is left in a state of surreal surprise as a rendition of Santa Claus is Coming to Town fills his (and audiences’) ears.

That scene specifically sprung to mind upon seeing how something else that began 20 years ago is still alive and well: For the twentieth consecutive year, Verizon (News - Alert) is deploying connectivity solutions to help the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) track Santa Claus’ annual journey.

Verizon, in coordination with NORAD partners and volunteers, gives individuals and families the opportunity to use its IVR system to inform where Santa is on his around-the-globe flight. Verizon, already well-known for its 5G Ultra Wideband services, is excited to keep the holiday cheer flowing through its network. In fact, Verizon Business (News - Alert) Consulting Services considers connecting children to Santa a critical effort; from simple, pre-recorded audio messages to real-time hotline calls with Santa’s elves, children can find out where Santa is, approximately when he’ll arrive near their homes, what his favorite cookies this year are, and more.

The toll-free line – 1 (877) 446-6723 – will begin taking calls at 6:00 AM EST on December 24. All in all, no matter Santa’s whereabouts, this 5G-powered effort from Verizon and NORAD will remain a fun holiday beacon amidst the snowfall this winter season.

Parents and their youngsters can also track Santa’s progress online on the NORAD Tracks Santa website, or via the mobile app available for both Android (News - Alert) and iOS devices. There are also a range of fun activities for kids to experience as they monitor Jolly Old Saint Nick’s one-night adventure – as long as they are in bed before he comes down their chimneys.