Hurricane Helene Anniversary: A Commitment to a Stronger Network
One year ago, Hurricane Helene made landfall, bringing historic challenges to communities across the Southeast. On this anniversary, we recognize the immense resilience shown by residents and first responders in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. We also reflect on our fundamental role as a provider of critical infrastructure and reaffirm our commitment to building and maintaining a network that communities can rely on, especially when it is needed most.
A Year of Fortification Across the Southeast
The lessons learned from last year’s storms prompted significant regional network reinforcement projects. Here is a look at the work that has been done since.
Rebuilding and Reinforcing in North Carolina Nowhere was the test of Helene more severe than in Western North Carolina. In response, our most intensive efforts have been focused here. In the past year, we have executed a top-to-bottom reinforcement of the mountain network—a massive engineering undertaking involving hundreds of new and upgraded solutions, fortification of our cell sites, and deployment of more resilient fiber backhaul to handle the region's unique topographical challenges.
In the year since Hurricane Helene made landfall, Verizon has invested $165 million and added more than 1,012 solutions in North Carolina to increase coverage, capacity, and reliability, with $38 million being invested in Western North Carolina. An additional 211 solutions are currently underway in the Tar Heel State.
Enhancing Reliability in South Carolina In South Carolina, which faced widespread impacts from Helene, our focus has been on proactive fortification. This has included a significant statewide effort to upgrade network infrastructure and deploy dozens of new solutions aimed at increasing coverage and capacity ahead of future weather events.
Since September 26, 2024, Verizon has invested $65 million and added more than 459 solutions in South Carolina to increase coverage, capacity, and reliability, with $29 million being invested in Western South Carolina. An additional 238 solutions are currently underway.
Investing in Georgia's Future Our commitment in Georgia, also impacted by Helene, is backed by hard numbers. In the Augusta area, we deployed 71 new solutions and upgraded fiber capacity, with more than 93% of sites now equipped with 5G Ultra Wideband. In South Georgia, we have 90 new solutions completed or in progress.
Bolstering Florida's Coast Our work to ensure network readiness is a year-round effort in Florida. In the Big Bend, which was hit hard by Helene, we invested nearly $30 million and deployed more than 150 new network solutions. Following Hurricane Milton, which made landfall two weeks after Helene, an additional $130 million investment was made to further strengthen the Tampa Bay area network.
The Technology of Resilience
These investments are focused on tangible upgrades that make a real-world difference. By accelerating the deployment of 5G Ultra Wideband (C-band), we are adding immense capacity that helps keep lines of communication open during mass-call events. By reinforcing sites with new battery backups, permanent generators, and upgraded fiber connections, we are building a smarter, more reliable, and more resilient grid.
Ready for What's Next
On this anniversary, we reflect on the challenges of the past year with a clear focus on the future. Our investment in these communities is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to learn, adapt, and improve. As the 2025 hurricane season continues, Verizon has prepared its network and its teams to be ready to serve. We stand with the communities of the Southeast, committed to providing the reliable connection they depend on.
