How to Stay Connected with Emergency Internet

When disasters strike, staying online is more than a convenience; it’s a lifeline. Whether you need to reach emergency services, keep loved ones informed, or access critical updates, having a solid plan for internet connectivity during emergencies is crucial. This guide explores the best options for staying connected when you need it most.

Table of Contents

• What Is Emergency Internet?
• Why Internet Connectivity Matters in Disasters
• What Are the Best Emergency Internet Options?
  • Emergency Satellite Internet
  • Portable Internet Devices
  • Fixed Wireless Internet
  • Local Government-Provided Internet
• Steps Families Should Take to Prepare for Internet Outages
  • Why a Generator is Essential for Emergency Internet
• How Can Local Governments Improve Community Emergency Internet Access?
• Key Takeaways

What Is Emergency Internet?

Emergency internet refers to solutions designed to maintain connectivity when traditional infrastructure is unavailable. From satellite internet to portable hotspots, these options can provide reliable communication pathways during natural disasters and power outages.

Why Internet Connectivity Matters in Disasters

Reliable internet access is vital for managing crises. It helps families stay informed, first responders coordinate rescue efforts, and communities recover faster. Yet, traditional internet infrastructure like cable and fiber often fails during disasters. That’s where emergency internet solutions step in.

What Are the Best Emergency Internet Options?

1. Emergency Satellite Internet

Reliable and accessible, satellite internet connects directly to orbiting satellites, bypassing physical infrastructure that might be affected in a disaster.

Strengths:

• Operates independently of ground infrastructure.
• Highly reliable as long as you have power.

Limitations:

• Weather events can disrupt connection.
• High latency, which can impact streaming and video calls.

Reliability of Satellite Internet during Disasters:

Satellite internet is ideal for post-disaster scenarios rather than during extreme weather events. Satellite networks can stay operational when terrestrial infrastructure fails – satellites orbit high above Earth and aren’t affected by ground hazards like hurricanes or wildfires. For example, in 2024, FEMA deployed 40 Starlink satellite internet systems (with 140 additional units in transit) to restore connectivity in hurricane-hit North Carolina.

2. Portable Internet Devices

Wireless internet and portable devices provide mobile WiFi using 4G LTE/5G technology, much like a cell phone hotspot. They’re plug-and-play, making them user-friendly and quick to set up. In 2021, Congress created the Emergency Connectivity Fund ($7.17 billion) to equip students with Wi-Fi hotspots during the pandemic, which helped millions of families stay online. As of 2024, about 15% of U.S. adults are “smartphone-only” internet users – they have mobile data but no home broadband – highlighting reliance on cellular connections for internet access, according to Pew Research Center.

Strengths:

• Easy to set up with no professional installation required.
• Works as long as cell towers in your area remain operational.

Limitations:

Bandwidth is often limited, and speeds may decrease due to throttling when data limits are exceeded.

Pro Tip: Keep a power bank or portable solar charger in your emergency kit for portable internet devices.

3. Fixed Wireless Internet

Using microwaves to deliver point-to-point internet, fixed wireless offers high-speed connectivity that is less affected by weather compared to satellite internet.

Strengths:

• Dedicated speeds with no data caps.
• More reliable than traditional cable during extreme weather.

Limitations:

• Requires professional installation beforehand, so it must be pre-installed for emergencies.

Pro Tip: Plan ahead by setting up fixed wireless as a backup connection for daily use and emergencies. Communication outages carry steep economic costs. A 2023 analysis estimated that a nationwide internet shutdown in the U.S. would cost about $459 million per hour, adding up to roughly $11 billion for a 24-hour outage.

4. Local Government-Provided Internet

Local governments and emergency services are bolstering backup internet and communication plans, though gaps remain. As of 2018, about 25% of public safety agencies lacked formal emergency communications SOPs, and fewer than half had incorporated robust continuity-of-operations plans for keeping communications going during extreme disasters.

Strengths:

• Ensures communication between emergency facilities, government offices, and residents.
• Can boost disaster management at the community level.

Limitations:

• Relies heavily on local government preparedness and available funding.

Pro Tip: Advocate for your local government to prioritize backup internet service installation at key community hubs like libraries and schools.

Steps Families Should Take to Prepare for Internet Outages

• Evaluate Your Home’s Needs: Decide whether satellite, portable internet, or fixed wireless is the most viable.
• Create a Digital Go-Bag: Carry important files, contacts, and an emergency weather app downloaded on all devices for offline access.
• Stock Up on Backup Power Equipment: Ensure you have chargers, fully charged power banks, and additional batteries.
• Establish Communication Plans: Know how family members will reach each other if traditional communication methods are down.
• Test Your Emergency Devices Regularly: Whether it’s a portable internet device or satellite kit, make sure you know how to use it before an actual emergency.

Why a Generator is Essential for Emergency Internet

Having power during a disaster is just as important as having internet access. Without a functioning generator, devices such as WiFi routers, satellite dishes, or portable modems can’t operate.

• Portable Generators: Great for small households to power low-voltage devices like laptops and hotspots.
• Solar-Powered Chargers: A sustainable and portable option for short-term emergencies.
• Car Adapters/Inverters: Ideal for powering smaller devices directly from your vehicle.

Pro Tip: A combination of a portable generator and a solar charger provides the most reliable and flexible backup power solution.

How Can Local Governments Improve Community Emergency Internet Access?

Around 40% of local public safety agencies lack any backup internet/data connectivity for emergencies, leaving a significant gap in resilience. Municipalities and community leaders can enhance readiness in the following ways:

• Set up permanent fixed wireless networks at schools, libraries, and healthcare facilities.
• Deploy portable internet kits to aid stations.
• Pair essential facilities with dedicated backup power sources like solar or diesel generators.

Example: Following Hurricane Harvey in 2017, FEMA deployed more than two dozen mobile communication office vehicles connected to satellites to support responders with voice, video, and data networks.

Key Takeaways

• Top Solutions: Satellite internet, portable hotspots, and fixed wireless lead the pack for emergency connectivity.
• Backup Power Is Essential: Without power, even the best internet devices may not work. A generator is a must in these situations.
• Plan Ahead: Whether for families or governments, preparation is key to staying connected during a disaster.
• Think Local: Advocate for better emergency internet preparedness in your community.

Stay Connected with EarthLink

EarthLink provides reliable satellite and fixed wireless solutions to ensure you stay connected no matter the circumstances. Whether you’re seeking a home connection or a disaster-ready backup plan, we’ve got you covered.

Call 833-702-3152 or visit our website to explore EarthLink’s emergency internet services today!