Photo: Bill McMannis (CC BY 2.0).

As communities across the Southeast US continue recovery efforts following the devastating hurricanes of late summer, one refrain stands out: connectivity is critical in disaster scenarios, and when the internet goes down, communities are cut off.

In the coming weeks, we’ll spotlight several communities that have been impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton as well as Appalachia Digital Accelerator grantees who have hard-earned experience from prior extreme weather events. They have invaluable lessons to share.

Unfortunately, with climate-related risks increasing, many more communities are likely to face challenges in the coming decades. Resiliency in our local infrastructure — including broadband — is becoming ever more critical. Drawing from our partners and experts, these steps, ranging from immediate interventions to long-term strategies, can help communities respond now and prepare for the future by strengthening their broadband infrastructure.

1. Conduct a Damage Assessment

• Assess broadband infrastructure damage, focusing on fiber lines, cellular towers, equipment cabinets, and Optical Network Terminals (ONTs). Inspecting last-mile components is important to avoid prolonged service disruptions.
• Coordinate local stakeholders: Partner with Internet Service Providers (ISPs), utility companies, and local governments to map out damage and prioritize repairs. Work with community leaders to collect and report service complaints to ISPs, ensuring faster response times. Many ISPs will only make repairs if they hear directly from customers, so mobilization is vital.

2. Prioritize Restoration of Critical Communication Points

• Emergency services first: Ensure that broadband is restored to critical services like hospitals, police, and emergency response centers.
• Deploy temporary solutions: Use mobile wireless such as cell-on-wheels (COWs) or satellite systems to provide interim communication support for first responders and residents until permanent repairs and upgrades are made.

3. Identify and Leverage Federal and State Assistance

• Apply for federal grants: FEMA and other federal agencies offer programs to support immediate disaster recovery and long-term resilience, including broadband infrastructure in some cases. Key programs include FEMA’s Public Assistance grants and HUD’s Community Development Block Grant for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR). Keep in mind that some programs, such as FEMA’s, require a 25% local match. Communities should thoroughly understand requirements and focus on applying for the programs that best fit their needs. Councils of Governments and other regional bodies can often assist in identifying and applying for the right sources of support.
• Utilize state programs: Many states offer disaster recovery and resilience programs, such as emergency funds or infrastructure grants, which can help rebuild broadband infrastructure. These programs often prioritize underserved and rural communities, helping to address the digital divide that natural disasters tend to exacerbate.

4. Engage Residents and Community Groups

• Public input and communication: Engage the community through surveys and public meetings to identify the most urgent needs. Keep residents informed about recovery efforts and broadband upgrades.
• Coordinate with regional partners: Work with regional commissions, nonprofits, and local economic development agencies to leverage shared resources and coordinate efforts. 

5. Think Creatively During Infrastructure Repairs

• Coordinate utilities: Follow the “dig once” principle by laying broadband conduit when repairing roads, water systems, or sewer lines. This policy, recommended by the US Government Accountability Office, minimizes costs and disruption, facilitating future fiber expansions.
• Encourage Public-Private Partnerships: Foster partnerships between local governments and ISPs to share the costs of embedding broadband equipment during repairs to roads, sewers, and other public infrastructure. This can reduce expenses and streamline the installation of broadband.

6. Prioritize Hardened, Weather-Resistant Infrastructure

• Underground fiber: Where feasible, bury fiber lines to protect against wind, flooding, and other weather related damage.
• Storm-Hardened towers and equipment: Install more durable equipment like hurricane-resistant cell towers and reinforced fiber enclosures to withstand extreme weather events. While not invincible, investment in resilient infrastructure will provide more robust connectivity for the future.

7. Create Redundant and Decentralized Networks

• Deploy multiple pathways: Build redundant fiber routes and incorporate alternative connectivity solutions like microwave and satellite systems to avoid single points of failure. If one part of the network fails, traffic can be rerouted to keep communities connected.
• Decentralize data centers: Shifting data storage and processing closer to end users through edge computing improves resilience by reducing reliance on a single centralized location, allowing local services to stay online even if central data hubs are disrupted.

8. Monitor and Strengthen Broadband Networks

Resiliency measures are integral for broadband networks during disasters.

• Regular upgrades and inspections: Perform routine inspections and upgrades to both physical (cables, towers, telephone polls) and digital infrastructure to maintain disaster resilience.
• Autonomous power supplies: Provide an autonomous power supply and enough fuel for generators to protect from extended electricity failures. Consider alternative power sources like wind or solar to ensure continuity in the event of power outages.
• These steps may only be feasible where there is a close working relationship with local ISPs or where the network is locally controlled.

9. Implement Long-Term Digital Resilience

• Future-Proofing: Build infrastructure with an eye toward future technologies and growth, ensuring that the network can handle ever increasing demands. Don’t just replace what was there — build infrastructure fit for the future.
• Community-Owned broadband networks: When local governments or cooperatives have control over infrastructure, they can prioritize network restoration based on community needs rather than corporate profits. Community-centric networks with a local workforce can be more responsive, accelerating the recovery process.

10. Develop a Connectivity Plan

Creating a plan for the future of local connectivity involves mapping existing assets, engaging in community outreach, and bringing together varied groups of leaders. This process not only leads to a plan to improve connectivity and digital adoption, but strengthens bonds within communities. When disaster strikes, these connections are critical for helping communities organize, pool resources, and coordinate rebuilding efforts. As well as focusing on infrastructure, this plan should promote digital literacy which is vital to ensure all community members can benefit from connectivity, whether that be through telehealth and remote work or navigating the complex process of applying for relief funds and other government services.

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By taking these steps, communities can not only repair broadband infrastructure but also build a resilient network that supports long-term economic growth, education, telehealth, and emergency response. The need for robust, future-proof connectivity has never been greater, and by investing in resilience today, communities can ensure that they are better prepared for whatever challenges tomorrow brings.