Asheville, N.C. (828NewsNow) Cell service restoration efforts are ongoing in western North Carolina following the impact of Hurricane Helene, with providers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon working to repair their networks. The unprecedented floods in Buncombe County have created hazardous conditions and severely restricted movement in and out of the region. Access to affected areas has been a significant challenge over the past few days for companies trying to repair infrastructure.
AT&T
AT&T is actively working to restore internet and cell service to Buncombe County and other affected areas in North Carolina following the impact of Hurricane Helene. The company has deployed teams to repair damaged infrastructure and is utilizing backup systems where possible to restore service quickly. AT&T provides real-time updates on outages via its service outage map, where customers can check the status of their specific area.
AT&T has announced it will waive talk, text, and data overage charges for AT&T Postpaid & Prepaid customers with billing addresses in 1,415 affected ZIP codes from Sept. 27 to Oct. 27. Charges for residential and business wireline orders placed through Oct. 27 will also be waived. For more details, visit AT&T’s outage support page.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile has deployed specialized disaster response vehicles, including Satellite Cell-On-Light-Trucks and Cell-On-Wheels, to help bring connectivity back to affected areas. These mobile units are equipped with 5G technology and provide temporary coverage where infrastructure has been damaged. Additionally, T-Mobile has set up backup power solutions such as generators and batteries to keep key sites operational during widespread power outages. You can view the affected areas through T-Mobile’s outage map.
Verizon
Verizon has deployed mobile network assets, including satellite-based equipment and cell-enabled drones, to help re-establish connectivity in areas where the flooding has damaged infrastructure. Verizon engineers are working closely with local emergency services and state officials to navigate the hazardous conditions and deliver critical equipment into the region. Backup power systems, including portable generators, have been deployed to maintain service in affected areas where commercial power is still out.
Additionally, Verizon has waived overage charges for calls, texts, and data from Sept. 28 to Oct. 5 for postpaid, prepaid, and small business customers in the hardest-hit areas, including parts of North Carolina. Customers do not need to take any action, as credits will automatically apply to their accounts. For more updates, you can visit Verizon’s emergency resource page.
Despite the challenges posed by hazardous conditions, all three companies are working closely with local authorities to accelerate the repair process. In some cases, service may be intermittent until repairs are completed. Customers are advised to regularly check their provider’s outage maps and resource pages for updates.