How Apple, T-Mobile & Verizon customers can access Wi-Fi & phone signals after Helene
Hundreds of thousands of people in western North Carolina are without power days after Helene swept through the state, bringing rain and winds that left roads impassable and downed trees and power lines.
As a result of the storm, many people in the mountainous region have been unable to access the internet, call or send texts.
But several large phone companies are working to provide cell signal and Wi-Fi to affected communities.
Important tip: As cell towers come back online, turn your phone off and back on to help your phone regain cell service.
How Apple customers can send texts without cell coverage or Wi-Fi
Anyone with an iPhone 14 (or later version) with iOS 18 can send iMessages or SMS messages via satellite, even if they don’t have cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.
To connect to a satellite, go outside, and make sure you have a clear view of the sky and the horizon.
Open Connection Assistant either from the Control Center or in the Settings app to access satellite features and connect to a satellite. Once Connection Assistant is open, you’ll be prompted with instructions to connect.
Read more about how to connect to satellites here.
How T-Mobile customers can access Wi-Fi
T-Mobile is setting up stations in North Carolina to allow people to charge their devices and access Wi-Fi.
Three stations are available at:
- Hendersonville County Parks & Recreation Center: 708 S. Grove St., Hendersonville
- Asheville Middle School: 211 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville
- Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center: 285 Livingston St., Asheville
How Verizon customers can access Wi-Fi
Any member of the public can use Verizon’s wireless emergency command centers to charge their devices and access Wi-Fi. These are located at:
- First Baptist Church: 5 Oak St., Asheville
- Grace United Methodist Church: 954 Tunnel Road, Asheville
Verizon is offering free, unlimited calling, texting and data to any of its prepaid and postpaid customers who live in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida and have been affected by Helene. The offer is valid through Saturday, Oct. 5.
Disaster Roaming now available
People in western North Carolina can use Disaster Roaming, which allows any phone on any cellular network to tap into any available network, according to a Saturday, Sept. 28 press release from the office of Gov. Cooper.
Starlink systems sent to western NC communities
Starlink satellite systems have been sent to western North Carolina, with 40 systems available to help responder communications and 140 systems to assist with communications infrastructure restoration, the White House announced Sept. 30.
Racecar driver Greg Biffle, who has been helping deliver supplies to communities affected by Helene, shared on X (formerly Twitter) that three pallets of Starlink systems and multiple generators were donated.
This story was originally published October 1, 2024 at 12:37 PM with the headline "How Apple, T-Mobile & Verizon customers can access Wi-Fi & phone signals after Helene."
