How SmartTown Community Wi-Fi Connects Communities in Times of Crisis

When Hurricane Helene tore through parts of the southeastern U.S., its impact was devastating-and, in some ways, unexpected. In western North Carolina, one of the hardest-hit areas, widespread power outages, and cellular network failures left residents cut off from critical information and unable to connect with loved ones.

With most modes of communication unavailable, one of the only ways for people to contact friends and family to let them know their status was through public Wi-Fi. At moments like that, the importance of a solution like Calix SmartTown® becomes crystal clear-providing your community with an essential lifeline during disasters and in their everyday lives.

French Broad Prioritizes Community Connections

For French Broad EMC, a utility provider in North Carolina, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene presented a significant challenge. Restoration efforts were complicated due to the flooding and large portions of the damaged infrastructure. Thus, French Broad's first action item focused on repairing utility poles in areas with higher population density to restore power-and communication infrastructure-as quickly as possible.

Once power was reestablished, French Broad acted swiftly. Leveraging their existing GigaSpire® residential gateways, they deployed Calix SmartTown Community Wi-Fi, creating an initial network of 1,600 free hotspots. Over time, that number doubled to 3,200. And these efforts didn't just reconnect residents with their families-they also helped French Broad's utility workers coordinate restoration efforts efficiently.

The Transformative Power of SmartTown

SmartTown isn't just about enhancing the services you provide to your subscribers-it's about creating resilient communities. During Hurricane Helene, French Broad leveraged the capabilities of SmartTown's managed Wi-Fi experience to bridge connectivity gaps as cellular networks failed.

Even more importantly, the impact of French Broad's quick action extended beyond disaster relief:

• For residents: It provided a reliable way to access critical updates and stay in touch with loved ones.

• For first responders: It ensured dependable connectivity to support emergency operations.

• For the utility team: It offered a secure, efficient communication network for restoring essential services.

But the benefits don't stop there. In partnership with GreenFrog, Calix enables a portable, grid-independent solution. Paired with Calix outdoor Wi-Fi access points, this technology empowers broadband service providers (BSPs) to deliver rapid connectivity in areas of critical need or during temporary deployments.

Giving Your Subscribers a Vital Resource

SmartTown Community Wi-Fi is not only valuable during emergencies-it also enhances everyday life. It provides residents with seamless connectivity in public spaces, boosts local business opportunities, and fosters community. It also offers BSPs a chance to strengthen their impact, differentiate themselves from competitors, and create lasting value for their subscribers.

BSPs Can Help Build Stronger, More Connected Communities

SmartTown Community Wi-Fi bridges the gap between necessity and innovation, ensuring communities are better prepared to face challenges while enhancing everyday experiences.

Are you ready to bring this transformative solution to your community? Reach out to us today to explore how SmartTown can make a difference in your area.

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