Vertical: Public Safety
Application: Emergency communications, first responder coordination, community reconnection
Ecosystem: Mosolabs, Starlink, Cumucore
Private Network: LTE
When Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina in late September 2024, it left behind a path of unprecedented destruction. The historic storm unleashed heavy rainfall and high winds, causing severe flooding, downing power and cell towers, and severing internet cables across the region. Rural mountain communities were particularly hard-hit, with hundreds of thousands of residents unable to contact loved ones or emergency services.
The aftermath presented a critical challenge: how to restore vital communications when conventional infrastructure had been devastated? Traditional telecommunications providers faced significant obstacles. Verizon reported that while it had recovered cell coverage to 60% of regions affected by Helene, Western North Carolina’s thick forests, mountainous terrain, destroyed roads, and ongoing flooding made repairing cell towers extremely difficult. Wikipedia A solution was urgently needed to support recovery operations and reconnect isolated communities.
In response to this crisis, a remarkable collaboration emerged. Nearly a dozen tech companies and the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center came together to form Operation Connect Carolina, a non-profit organization building Rapid-Deploy Connectivity Hubs to deliver reliable, high-speed internet to hurricane survivors, medical personnel, and disaster relief workers.
At the center of this initiative was an innovative private mobile network deployment led by Cumucore. Working in partnership with eSIM provider Ripsim, utilizing MosoLabs’ base stations, and leveraging Starlink for satellite backhaul, the team delivered a comprehensive solution to restore critical connectivity.
The private network deployment addressed several key challenges unique to disaster scenarios. With widespread power outages rendering traditional networks inoperable, portable generators were deployed to power the necessary equipment. The lack of stable backhaul was overcome through strategic integration with Starlink’s satellite solution, ensuring reliable high-speed connectivity even in areas with completely damaged infrastructure.
One of the most innovative aspects of the deployment was its user-friendly approach. By leveraging CBRS frequencies supported by most consumer handsets, the network ensured compatibility with existing devices, eliminating the need for specialized equipment. This approach enabled rapid deployment and broad coverage across affected areas. Additionally, the use of eSIM technology simplified connectivity for residents, who could quickly connect to the network via QR codes rather than requiring physical SIM cards.
The impact was immediate and substantial. The system became operational within minutes of deployment, providing consistent, high-quality communication for first responders, improving coordination, response times, and crisis management. For isolated residents, it offered a vital lifeline, reconnecting families and enabling access to essential services during the recovery period.
The Moso Canopy 5GOD1 radios included in each mobile hub covered approximately two kilometers, with volunteers able to mount them on existing poles or even trees if necessary. Once secured, the remotely managed systems delivered cellular service precisely where it was needed most.
