Optimum Provides Customer Support and Employee Assistance for Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts

HENDERSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA - (OCTOBER 5, 2024) - Optimum, the local provider of internet, mobile, TV, and phone services, has been reconnecting customers, establishing Wi-Fi hotspots and providing local assistance in many of the hardest hit Western North Carolina communities following the devastation left from Hurricane Helene.

Optimum team members are working around-the-clock where physical access has been permitted and power has been returned to as quickly as possible restore services with a focus on essential facilities like hospitals, shelters, and emergency services. Our Optimum teams continue to assess damages in the region and are prepared for dispatch as soon as local clearance is provided by authorities.

To support our communities, the company has deployed two Wi-Fi trailers in Hendersonville, North Carolina where residents can access free Wi-Fi and charge their devices. Additionally, the team has set up Internet and TV services for a makeshift, emergency shelter open to community members in Hendersonville.

Optimum has also implemented the following measures:

• Optimum Western North Carolina customers impacted by the hurricane will receive a proactive full month credit and not be charged for lost or damaged equipment. Customers do not have to take action - this will be applied automatically. The company will continue to assess the situation for those who need continued relief during this period of hardship.
• Optimum is contributing $500,000 to local organizations and in-kind public service announcements (PSAs) to support relief efforts. Initial contributions will go to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund and Community Foundation of Henderson County, and we are committed to supporting additional areas where contributions can help other local needs. Optimum Media will offer PSA airtime to help support local organizations and community partners' relief efforts.
• Free Wi-Fi connectivity and power charging locations in Hendersonville, North Carolina between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. aligned with a local community curfew include:
  • Optimum Retail Store, 451 N Main St
  • Optimum Office, 717 S Grove St
  • Blue Ridge Mall, 1800 4 Seasons Blvd
• Optimum retail locations have been affected by commercial power outages and some minor storm damage. However, in addition to our Hendersonville location, our Franklin, North Carolina location (247 Sloan Rd, Franklin, NC 28734) is open now and the public Wi-Fi is available for our customers and employees.
• The Optimum Employee Disaster Relief Fund has been activated to assist employees directly affected by the hurricane's damage, with a company match of up to $50,000.
• Optimum crews from around the country are traveling to assist with customer restoration and recovery efforts.

"Hurricane Helene has been devastating for multiple communities across our North Carolina footprint. Safely reconnecting our customers and supporting local employees and emergency response organizations is our number one priority," said Elton Hart, Vice President, General Manager of Optimum Mid-Atlantic. "We continue to focus on restoration efforts for Optimum services throughout multiple Western North Carolina communities. We expect this will be a lengthy rebuilding effort in many of our communities, and all of Optimum is here to support in any way possible."