Helium Deploys Emergency Cell Service Technology After Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene caused over 100 deaths and $60 billion in damages in North Carolina. In response, Nova Labs proposed using Helium's technology to provide cell connectivity, as more than 20% of cell sites were down.
Key developments include:
- Mark Phillips from Nova Labs contacted Helium Foundation CEO Abhay Kumar to create a wireless hotspot for disaster relief.
- A prototype was developed within 48 hours.
- They secured 20 Starlink terminals to connect to satellite internet.
- The combined technology produced the "Helium hotspot beacon," a portable off-grid cell tower.
- Beacons were deployed in Hendersonville, NC, receiving over 24,000 total connections.
- The hotspots provided automatic phone service within a 1,000-foot radius.
- Helium’s decentralized infrastructure could enhance resilience against natural disasters.
- Helium offered 10 additional kits to authorities in southern California.
This situation highlights the potential of decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) in addressing communication challenges during emergencies.