Starlink access for Western NC hurricane relief

My name is JD Mills, and I’m an IT guy at a small liberal arts college in Davidson, North Carolina. I’ve spent 20 years working as a technologist. Now, I’m called to use those skills to help people in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene destroyed or damaged much of the communications infrastructure in western North Carolina. Without access to cell service or the internet, disaster relief workers, first responders, and local volunteers are struggling to stay in contact, and the list of missing persons remains thousands long.

That’s where Starlink comes in.

Starlink is a satellite internet system that can provide high-speed internet even in places where traditional connections are down. I’m trying to raise enough money to purchase a Starlink system and get it set up in the areas hit hardest by the hurricane, where it’s needed most.

My initial target goal is $1300. That will cover the purchase of one Starlink system ($299) plus six months of service on the Roaming Unlimited plan ($165/mo). I have a direct line to ongoing relief efforts in Henderson County public schools, and because time is of the essence, that's where I plan to target first. But these systems can be deployed anywhere and moved to the area of greatest need. The more money we raise, the more systems we can deploy. Once services are restored and needs are met, any excess funds or equipment will be distributed to the Red Cross.

I’ve seen the devastation first hand. These are our neighbors. This is our state. Your gift will make a real impact on the victims of this disaster and the relief workers who are serving them.

Thank you.