Restoring Critical Connectivity for Coordination and Safety in Western North Carolina
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The State of Western NC
Drone shots courtesy of WLOS ABC 13.
The Crisis
Hurricane Helene shattered links to the outside world for most of Western North Carolina. With cell towers down and internet cables severed, hundreds of thousands of people are stranded without:
Being able to contact emergency services
The ability to contact loved ones
Means to coordinate relief efforts
Rapidly Deploy Connectivity Hubs
Operation Connect Carolina is helping to restore connectivity by building and deploying Rapid-Deploy Connectivity Hubs.
Provide high-speed internet via satellite
Connect up to 10,000 families
Set up in hours, not days
Operate 24/7
Have a small, lightweight footprint
Run on solar + battery in order to be mobile
How the Solution Works
No complex infrastructure. No waiting for grid power. Just connectivity where it's needed most.
Communications systems are built
We will acquire the components and build the systems in Central North Carolina.
Users scan a QR code
Medical personnel, aid workers and ordinary citizens will scan a QR code using their devices.
Systems are deployed
Experienced partners will transport and deploy these systems in Western NC.
They get internet access
The system will install an eSim on the device, which will enable them to gain access to the Internet.
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Our Mission
Reconnecting when it matters most in NC is why the team has partnered with mission-led organizations to maximize impact.
It’s hard to imagine being completely cut off from the world just when you need it most. No calls to emergency services, no way to check on family, and no updates on relief efforts. In the aftermath of a disaster, that isolation isn’t just inconvenient—it’s life-threatening.
“In times like these, staying connected isn’t a luxury; it’s a lifeline. We’re stepping up to ensure that no one is left in the dark when they need support the most.”
"Communicating at the speed of light, when every second between life and death matters, demonstrates the true power of connectivity. By spreading critical information and helping people access their basic rights, we are partnering to create a flexible digital platform that centralizes efforts and fosters unity."
Communication Saves Lives
The ability to communicate is everything in the aftermath of a disaster. Communications allows:
First responders to coordinate rescues and aid delivery
People who are stranded, hurt, or running out of food and water to get help
Families to reconnect, easing panic and allowing for informed decisions
Communities to organize, accelerating recovery efforts
People to continue working in order to maintain their livelihoods
The challenge in Western North Carolina is that the region is mountainous, with many of the roads and Interstates blocked, damaged, or in some cases, washed away completely. Restoring power and communications is challenging enough in ordinary situations, the unique nature of this disaster compounds the challenges.
Every minute of connectivity could mean a life saved, a family reunited, or a community taking its first steps toward rebuilding.
Our Partners
We cannot do everything ourselves, nor do we want to. There are existing organizations that have expertise in getting communications technology to disaster areas, and to provide technical support once they're out in the field. Others have their ear to the ground, and can provide up-to-date information about the greatest need for communications.
Others are doing the good work of getting much-needed food, clean drinking water, and supplies to the people who need it, and require communications to coordinate their efforts.
This is a list of the partners working together to restore connectivity to the communities in Western North Carolina.
Restore Connectivity in Western NC
Your contribution directly funds the deployment and operation of these critical communications hubs. Each one of these systems, and the accompanying connectivity, is expected to cost $5,000.