After a Hurricane, Local Broadband Providers Heroically Rally To Reconnect Communities Leveraging Calix SmartTown
Days after Hurricane Helene hit
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The cloud-enabled Calix Platform, combined with hands-on Calix Success support, streamlines a BSP’s ability to deliver secure, reliable broadband access to their communities. With Calix GigaSpires® and GigaPros®—from the unparalleled Calix Unlimited Subscriber portfolio of indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi systems—BSPs can quickly provide seamless, long-range connectivity across homes, businesses, and communities. Integrated with the Calix Platform, these Wi-Fi systems support rapid deployment, efficient network management, and scalability through Calix Cloud®. Geomapping in Calix Operations Cloud enhances network visibility, simplifying community Wi-Fi planning and accelerating SmartTown deployments to connect entire towns.
After Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the southern
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French Broad EMC quickly restored power to western
North Carolina and reconnected communities with SmartTown. When Hurricane Helene struck, French Broad EMC, an electric cooperative, swiftly restored power to their communities. But they did not stop there. Collaborating with Calix Success as electricity was turned back on, they fast-tracked their plans and deployment for SmartTown community Wi-Fi. As power became available, French Broad EMC activated residential GigaSpires, adding to the strength of SmartTown and bringing secure, seamless connectivity to homes and public spaces when it mattered most.
- Riverwave Broadband quickly established an emergency Wi-Fi network for affected North Carolinians. Leveraging the Calix Platform and GigaSpires, Riverwave Broadband provided open access points to ensure communities stayed connected during Hurricane Helene. Understanding the critical role of communication during recovery, the Riverwave team went further—personally guiding residents to the strongest signal locations and sharing access details, ensuring they could stay connected to loved ones and vital resources in their time of need.
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Clearwave Fiber deployed eight hotspots powered by Calix Wi-Fi systems, enabling Georgians to access recovery services. In
Valdosta, Georgia , Clearwave Fiber similarly utilized Calix innovation to set up temporary hotspots, aiding in Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. These GigaPro and GigaSpire-powered hotspots provided coverage reaching up to one mile per site—extending the number of residents who could depend on a secure, reliable connection. Additionally, Clearwave provided device charging stations and bottled water at each location.
“Hurricane Helene devastated our region, wiping out bridges and roads, which made restoring power and internet extremely challenging,” said
SmartTown, a cornerstone of Calix SmartLife™ managed services, exemplifies how Calix helps BSPs transition from speed-and-price-driven models to true broadband experience providers, meeting every broadband need within their communities. Even before Hurricane Helene, Calix customers were delivering significant value with SmartTown—connecting public parks, community centers, parking lots, and entire towns. With ubiquitous connectivity, BSPs ensure students can reliably complete homework after school and grandparents can stream their grandkids’ football games when they can’t attend. SmartTown has also enabled BSPs to provide free network access for first responders in rural areas with limited cellular coverage, ensuring critical emergency services can reach every resident when it matters most.
“In times of crisis, it is the local broadband provider who works tirelessly to keep their communities connected—not the massive carriers or satellite providers that focus solely on delivering a basic connection and collecting data,” said
Learn how SmartTown community Wi-Fi can impact communities, and watch “SmartLife Evolution” on ConneXions @OnDemand to learn even more about life-changing Calix managed services.
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