Urgent Funding Needed: ERC Broadband Calls for Immediate Support to Restore Critical Infrastructure in Western North Carolina After Hurricane Helene

Urgent Funding Needed: ERC Broadband Calls for Immediate Support to Restore Critical Infrastructure in Western North Carolina After Hurricane Helene

Asheville, NC – In the wake of the unprecedented destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, ERC Broadband (ERC), a regional fiber optic network provider headquartered in Asheville, is issuing an urgent request for immediate funding to continue its critical work of restoring and maintaining essential broadband infrastructure across Western North Carolina (WNC). ERC has been working tirelessly to ensure that vital communication services remain operational for local governments, emergency responders, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and regional carriers.

Over the past seven days—ERC has operated 24/7 to maintain and restore connectivity to the region – despite each of its 21 employees being personally impacted by the disaster— some losing homes, infrastructure, and access to basic necessities. With larger corporations halting operations to conduct safety assessments, ERC jumped into action immediately. As a provider rooted in the community for decades, ERC is committed to restoring the communications lifeline that supports WNC’s public safety, healthcare, and education systems.

Immediate Funding Needs:

ERC is urgently seeking $3 million for temporary infrastructure repairs to stabilize broadband services in the immediate term. Additionally, the company estimates it will require $10 million over the next 12 to 18 months for permanent reconstruction of critical network pathways. Although ERC is actively pursuing federal assistance through FEMA and other recovery programs, the funds are needed now to prevent further network degradation and ensure staff and vendor payments.

“We are asking for immediate assistance from our state, federal, and corporate partners to stabilize Western North Carolina’s communication infrastructure,” said Bradley Cain, General Manager of ERC Broadband. “Our region cannot afford to wait. We need financial support to continue these critical efforts and prevent catastrophic service failures.”

Key Accomplishments in the First Week:

Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, ERC has already achieved the following:

• Restored Essential Connectivity: Reestablished one of six key trunk internet connections and began restoring the remaining five to ensure the region stays connected to the outside world.

• Emergency Services and Healthcare Support: Increased Local hospital system’s capacity to 10 Gbps under emergency conditions and provided vital connectivity to regional hospitals and healthcare providers, ensuring they can continue life-saving operations.

• Government and Municipalities: Restored connectivity for Hendersonville, Buncombe, Transylvania, and Haywood Counties, as well as the City of Asheville and other regional governments, ensuring public safety services are maintained.

• Collaborations with Local Providers: Partnered with regional internet service providers to stabilize essential connectivity services for the region.

• Emergency Wi-Fi Services: Provided emergency Wi-Fi through key partners such as the Asheville Chamber, Asheville Fire Station, and private commercial businesses to keep displaced individuals and first responders connected.

ERC has played an integral role in Western North Carolina’s disaster response by supporting local emergency services, healthcare providers, and businesses. But the company warns that, without immediate financial assistance, the recovery efforts will face insurmountable challenges.

Why Support is Needed:

ERC’s network underpins critical operations throughout Western North Carolina, including emergency services, healthcare, education, and local government operations. Immediate funding will allow ERC to protect its infrastructure from further damage and continue to provide essential services that the community depends on.

“We’re not a large national provider with endless resources, but we are the boots on the ground here in Western North Carolina,” Bradley Cain added. “Our commitment to this region is unwavering, but we need financial support to ensure the future of broadband connectivity during this recovery process.”

ERC Broadband calls upon state and federal partners, as well as corporate allies, to provide the immediate financial assistance necessary to continue these life-saving efforts.

Donations can be made at: https://www.ercbroadband.com/donate

About ERC Broadband:

ERC Broadband is a regional fiber optic network provider headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina. For over two decades, ERC has provided essential connectivity services to local governments, healthcare institutions, educational facilities, and businesses across Western North Carolina. The company remains dedicated to supporting the community through reliable, resilient broadband services, especially in times of crisis.

For media inquiries or more information about ERC Broadband’s disaster recovery efforts, please contact:

David Zachrich

Vice President of Sales and Account Management

ERC Broadband

828-243-6334

donate@ercbroadband.com