Isolation is a lingering crisis in the days following Hurricane Helene's destructive, deadly path through the Southeast. As entire communities work to reopen roads and search for missing neighbors, a number of internet providers are offering free Wi-Fi connections.
Here's how to get online:
Charter Communications last week opened nearly 90,000 Spectrum out-of-home Wi-Fi access points across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and bordering areas that will be available to all users at no cost through Oct. 7.
Spectrum Wi-Fi access points are typically found in public parks, marinas, city streets and other public areas and will help ensure available connectivity as the recovery continues.
Comcast has opened 257,479 public Xfinity Wi-Fi hot spots in areas it serves across Georgia, South Carolina and impacted areas in Tennessee. The free and public hot spots are open for anyone to use, including non-Xfinity customers.
A map of public Xfinity Wi-Fi hot spots, which are located both indoors and outdoors in places such as shopping districts, parks and businesses, can be found at Finder.wifi.xfinity.com.
To find the nearest hot spot location, search the Wi-Fi Hotspot Map. Enter your ZIP code, zoom in on the interactive map to view the results, and click on the locations for details.
Starlink is temporarily offering free service for one month in areas hit by the hurricane.
For new customers, go to starlink.com/residential, enter your address, and click "order now." Select the "Helene Relief" service plan and check out.
After 30 days, Starlink will move the account to a paid residential subscription, but will notify subscribers as the 30-day mark approaches to remind them of the upcoming charge.