Aiken Residents Await Internet Restoration Following Tropical Storm Helene
The city of Aiken has been buzzing with activity lately, and not just because of the ongoing restoration efforts following the havoc wreaked by Tropical Storm Helene on September 27. While the storm may be a thing of the past, its aftermath is still very much present, particularly when it comes to internet services for residents in Aiken and nearby Edgefield counties.
As many residents can attest, losing internet service can be a major nuisance, especially in today’s digital age where work, communication, and entertainment heavily rely on online connectivity. After Tropical Storm Helene knocked out power and damaged communication infrastructure, internet service providers quickly got to work on the recovery process. According to several local service providers, restoring service is an ongoing operation as they race to get customers back online.
Restoration Efforts Underway
Daniele Ligons, the marketing and strategic services manager for Aiken Electric Cooperative, explained that their crews have been tirelessly working “behind the scenes” to restore both power and internet service. “As powerlines were being restored, our fiber crews followed closely behind to begin repairs safely,” she stated. The cooperative offers internet service in partnership with CarolinaConnect, aiming to improve connectivity especially in rural areas.
In an update from AT&T, communication and PR manager Madelynn Traylor shared some positive news. “We have now restored internet service to around 97% of our wireline customers in South Carolina,” she noted. However, she was quick to acknowledge, “We realize some of our customers are still without service due to ongoing issues with power or infrastructure damage.” Like many others, AT&T’s restoration efforts have been closely tied to the repairs of power lines and the safe clearance of debris in the affected regions.
Other Providers Feeling the Fallout
Spectrum has faced its fair share of challenges too. At the peak of the storm, they reported that approximately 395,000 customers in South Carolina were offline. Patrick Paterno, the director of field communications for Charter Communications, stated, “As other organizations work to restore poles, lines, roadways, and clear debris, additional damage is being identified and our crews are responding accordingly.” For Spectrum, restoring service to emergency services and public safety locations remains a top priority during this time.
Breezeline also experienced significant outages, with over 90% of their customers in Aiken County affected. Communications advisor Laurise Roy-Tremblay reported that “our crews are currently working to repair extensive damage” to their network. The challenges have been amplified by underground systems getting damaged from uprooted trees, complicating their repair efforts.
What Can Customers Do?
For those still waiting for their internet to be restored, different providers have provided some tips. AT&T customers who have power but no internet might want to try resetting their modem. Traylor advised that if this doesn’t work, customers should reach out for assistance, “as the issue may be something specific to your address.” Meanwhile, CarolinaConnect customers can rest assured that their outages are already being tracked. “Our system has already identified affected locations,” Ligons said, noting that their experienced teams are diligently working on repairs.
Challenges Ahead
Though there’s no concrete timeline for when full service restoration will be achieved, providers are hopeful that progress will continue. As Ligons conveyed, “Due to the significant number of customers affected, especially in heavily impacted areas, it’s challenging to predict exactly when services will resume.” This reality rings true for all involved, as the restoration of fiber networks can be time-consuming given the delicate nature of fiber optic cables.
As Aiken residents adjust to life without regular internet access, the community remains hopeful as local providers work tirelessly to restore connectivity. Each crew member on the ground plays a crucial role in helping residents reconnect with their friends, families, and online communities.
With bright sunny skies and a high of around 65°F expected today, one can only feel optimistic that brighter days are ahead—not just in terms of weather, but for internet access as well!
