Struggles Continue for Upstate Spectrum Customers After Hurricane Helene
Greenville, SC – It’s been two long weeks since Hurricane Helene swept through, and the aftermath has left many residents in the Upstate grappling with a lack of internet service. As of Friday afternoon, more than 50,000 Spectrum customers were still without a reliable connection, impacting not only personal communication but also vital business interactions.
The Impact of the Storm
Hurricane Helene certainly made an entrance, initially causing a staggering 1.2 million customers across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina to lose service. The storm’s peak saw 395,000 South Carolina customers offline, with the hardest-hit areas being right here in Greenville and Spartanburg counties.
Scott Pryzwansky, Spectrum’s mid-south region senior director, detailed the progress since the storm. Thankfully, about 80% of customers have had their service restored. However, for those still waiting, the struggle continues.
Where Things Stand Now
As per the latest updates, at around 4 p.m. on Friday, here’s the breakdown of customers still affected:
- 38,762 in Greenville County
- 20,616 in Spartanburg County
- 11,101 in Anderson County
- 5,559 in Pickens County
These numbers are troubling for many households and businesses that rely heavily on internet access for remote work, online schooling, or just staying connected with loved ones. It’s a frustrating situation for everyone involved, especially as we realize just how dependent we’ve become on these services in our day-to-day lives.
On the Ground Efforts
Despite the ongoing challenges, there’s a team of over 100 technicians and engineers working tirelessly throughout the Upstate to repair the more than 188 miles of network damage caused by the storm. Pryzwansky noted that their crews are actively following local utility teams to restore power and connections as quickly as possible.
“We’ll continue to actively monitor conditions and will complete restoration to our remaining communities as soon as we can,” he assured, emphasizing the commitment to helping everyone get back online. Unfortunately, it might take some time before all issues are fully resolved, and residents will need to remain patient as the jobs get done.
Community Support
It’s heartening to see the community come together during this difficult time. Local events, such as the recent Carolina Cares event at Papi’s Tacos, have raised significant funds for storm relief, showcasing the spirit of resilience and support among the Upstate residents.
As we continue to hear about the efforts to restore services, it’s crucial for residents to stay updated and informed. Communication between utility providers and customers will be vital in ensuring that everyone knows what to expect in the weeks to come.
Looking Ahead
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, many people are eagerly waiting to see how Spectrum will resolve the lingering issues. For those still facing internet outages, hang in there! With all the efforts from local technicians, hope remains as restoration efforts carry on.
Staying connected is important, especially during challenging times like these. Let’s all remain supportive of one another and hang tight as we work toward normalcy.
