Is it time to put an HF ham radio rig in each major provider’s office? I shudder thinking of a major outage where even phone communication can’t take place.

I’m only half joking.

Edit: and maybe we just give Verizon a toy walkie talkie

You joke, but cascade failure ain't no laughing matter, either. Emergency plans aren't for fair weather, they are for sh!tstorms. I don't want to say "we are too reliant on the internet" because it's cliche and connectivity is just part of growing the modern world. But we sure as heck need several layers of backup plans in case things go sideways.

I, for one, hope there is a secret society of HAMs lurking as mild-mannered employees at every telco and ISP, ready to wire things back together when they short out.

There is an IRC server (several servers, actually) + channel that a variety of network operators are on that has existed since the very early 2000s for these sorts of events. 414 users on it now, most peoples nicknames include their ASN to make it easier to find each other.

Unfortunately, Verizon is one of those networks that isn't present there. But many other networks are represented there and it provides a direct path to those who have config/enable access on some of the largest networks out there. Cuts out the having to go via formal escalation paths and NOC groups that require a trouble ticket before you can engage them.

You can't use the amateur bands for commercial purposes though.