HTC Assists in Relief Efforts Across South Carolina to Help Communities Affected by Hurricane Helene
HTC Supplied Crews to Aid Co-ops and Companies State-Wide to Restore Essential Internet Services and Connectivity
December 11, 2024, Conway, S.C., – HTC, the largest telecommunications cooperative in the United States, recently completed its assistance in supporting South Carolina’s recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene. With widespread damage impacting numerous communities and their internet connectivity, HTC extended its expertise and resources to assist fellow cooperatives and companies across the state. Working in partnership with Aiken Electric Cooperative, Carolina Connect, West Carolina and Blue Ridge Electric, HTC helped to make significant strides in restoring internet access to households throughout the Upstate and Midlands regions of South Carolina.
In areas hit hardest by the storm, HTC’s dedicated teams and volunteers have worked diligently to help bring critical services back online. This large-scale collaboration underscores HTC’s commitment to supporting reliable connectivity for all, especially in times of crisis. With work still underway to expand reach and stability in the days ahead, HTC is committed to continuing its support and working alongside these cooperatives to ensure reliable internet for every South Carolinian. Efforts emphasize that a strong network is not only a utility, but also a lifeline in times of disaster.
“We are honored to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Aiken Electric Cooperative, Carolina Connect, West Carolina and Blue Ridge Electric in this time of need,” said John Anderson, HTC Chief Executive Plant Operations. “It’s our mission to ensure that communities have the internet access they rely on, particularly during moments when connection is most crucial. Seeing our teams work together to serve South Carolina is truly inspiring.”
Each cooperative HTC partnered with plays a vital role in the state’s connectivity landscape. Aiken Electric Cooperative, in partnership with Carolina Connect, brings advanced high-speed fiber services to rural communities that are often underserved by traditional telecom providers. Together, they’re bridging the digital divide for members across these key areas.
West Carolina and Blue Ridge Electric, which serve members in the state’s western regions, are known for their dependable services that connect communities within the more mountainous and rugged areas. Their work ensures even the most remote communities have access to modern utilities and connectivity.
“We can’t thank our friends and industry partners at HTC enough for their support during our recovery efforts,” said Jeff Robinson, West Carolina Director of Engineering and Construction. “They embodied the cooperative principle of ‘co-ops helping co-ops.’ We also recognize the sacrifices they made by being away from their families and their HTC responsibilities. They treated our outage just like they would have it had been on HTC’s network and worked tirelessly until the last repair had been completed.”
For more information about HTC’s community outreach, please visit www.htcinc.net.
About HTC
HTC is the largest telecommunications cooperative in the United States. Celebrating more than 70 years as the local leader in communications, HTC provides services in Horry, Georgetown and Marion counties. Utilizing the area’s most extensive fiber optic network, HTC service offerings include: Internet; Video; Security; Mobile; and Voice. HTC also offers advanced business services, including: Internet; Voice and Hosted Voice Solutions; IT Solutions such as Wi-Fi, Data Backup & Recovery and Firewalls; and Business Security. To learn more about HTC, visit www.htcinc.net. For additional information about HTC, or becoming a member, call 843-365-2154.
###
