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Hotspot Beacon is a fully configured hardware solution delivering reliable daily connectivity for hundreds of devices, especially in disaster-affected areas where traditional cell coverage is disrupted or unavailable.
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Land of Sky's deployment of Hotspot Beacon during Hurricane Helene reconnected more than tens of thousands of connections in western North Carolina.
Helium Mobile, a cell phone service built on the world's first people-powered network, has announced its Hotspot Beacon Program, a portable solution designed to restore communication in disaster-affected areas. This fully configured hardware provides reliable, instant connectivity for nearly everyone within range, ensuring critical communication remains possible when traditional networks fail.
Acting as a mini cell tower, the Hotspot Beacon connects Helium Mobile subscribers and users of most major US carriers. It also offers a “Helium Free WiFi” network, ensuring universal access regardless of subscription status. With versatile power options—solar, generator, or mains—the Beacon is optimized for rapid deployment and begins operating immediately upon setup.
During Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, 80% of cell towers in the hardest-hit regions of North Carolina were offline, leaving residents and responders without communication tools. The Hotspot Beacon bridged this critical gap. Utilizing Starlink for backhaul and Helium Mobile Hotspots™, Beacon delivered immediate connectivity for more than tens of thousands of unique devices in disaster-stricken areas of North Carolina.
Case Study: Land of Sky Regional Council
In North Carolina, Land of Sky Regional Council deployed a Hotspot Beacon at Jackson Park in Hendersonville, a key community gathering point. This location provided essential connectivity to residents and first responders during Hurricane Helene's recovery efforts.
“I've worked on numerous public Wi-Fi projects across Western North Carolina, but the most meaningful have been the ones we deployed under emergency conditions during the rescue phases of the storm,” said Sara Nichols, Energy and Economic Development Program Manager at Land of Sky. “The connectivity allowed residents to reach loved ones, access vital resources, and begin the recovery process. The demand for public Wi-Fi options during this time highlighted how critical reliable communication is in disaster scenarios.”
Case Study: Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon, a nonprofit renowned for its disaster response work, incorporated Helium Beacons into their mobile recovery units. These units used trucks to power both Helium Hotspots and Starlink backhaul, establishing reliable WiFi networks in neighborhoods devastated by hurricanes.
“Team Rubicon arrives in neighborhoods affected by disasters to provide essential support,” Art Delacruz, CEO of Team Rubicon. “When we arrive, we park our truck and establish a Wi-Fi hotspot. The neighbors notice a Wi-Fi signal that transforms their cellphones from useless bricks into productive tools. This connectivity allows residents to reach out for help, access vital information, and begin the recovery process.”
“Connectivity is not a luxury during crises; it's a lifeline,” said Amir Haleem, CEO of Helium Mobile. “The Hotspot Beacon Program ensures reliable, open connectivity when it's needed most, empowering communities to recover faster.”
Hotspot Beacons are available for deployment in disaster-affected areas. To learn more or donate a Beacon to communities in need, visit hellohelium.com/hotspot/beacon.
About Nova Labs/Helium Mobile
Founded in 2013, Nova Labs is the founding team behind Helium Mobile and the open-source Helium Network. As the pioneer of decentralized wireless communications, Nova Labs is on a mission to revolutionize how we all connect. For more information, visit nova.xyz.
Helium™ is a registered trademark of Decentralized Wireless Foundation, Inc. (dba the Helium Foundation), used under license.
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