By Kanishka Singh
(Reuters) - The White House confirmed the deployment of dozens of Starlink satellite systems in North Carolina to provide high-speed internet access, with over 100 more on the way to areas affected by Hurricane Helene.
Former President Donald Trump falsely claimed that the systems had not been deployed, but the Biden administration clarified that the arrangements were already in place before Trump's comments.
President Biden's administration stated that the deployment of Starlink satellite systems is already underway, with 40 systems available for responder communications and an additional 140 being shipped for communications infrastructure restoration in North Carolina.
Hurricane Helene has caused widespread devastation in the U.S. Southeast, leading to communication breakdowns and road access issues in western North Carolina.
Elon Musk's satellite broadband company, Starlink, a unit of SpaceX, controls a significant portion of the world's active satellites and offers high-bandwidth internet coverage globally.
Trump, who has received endorsement from Musk in the upcoming elections, visited storm-damaged areas in Georgia and Florida following Hurricane Helene's impact.
Insurers and forecasters estimate storm damage ranging from $15 billion to over $100 billion, highlighting the extensive impact of Hurricane Helene on the region.
Analysis:
The deployment of Starlink satellite systems in hurricane-affected areas like North Carolina showcases the importance of advanced technology in disaster response and recovery efforts. High-speed internet access provided by these systems can help improve communication for responders and aid in restoring infrastructure. The collaboration between government agencies, private companies like SpaceX, and influential figures like Elon Musk demonstrates the potential for innovation to address critical challenges during natural disasters. This development not only highlights the role of technology in crisis management but also underscores the significance of public-private partnerships in enhancing resilience and recovery in the face of catastrophic events.
