DeSantis Considering Deploying Elon Musk Starlink Devices On A Community Basis
SANIBEL ISLAND (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis said he is considering deploying Elon Musk’s Starlink devices on a community basis in areas still without internet.
It was previously announced the Starlink devices have been utilized to provide fast broadband connection to impacted areas of Hurricane Ian.
“The fact that most of the internet has been restored in other parts of the state, we’ve been able to collapse some of those devices,” DeSantis explained.
DeSantis says some internet companies, such as Comcast, may have had problems with fiber lines after the storm.
Power Updates
- Power has been restored to all accounts on the mainland which can receive it
- As of today, over 95% of accounts that can receive power on Pine Island have been restored, significantly ahead of the estimated restoration timeline
- For a full report on current outages, click here
Comcast Xfinity WiFi Vans
Comcast has Xfinity WiFi vans provide free internet connectivity as communities continue to recover. Each Xfinity WiFi van can provide wireless internet connectivity to more than 1,000 users at one time over a 300-square-foot area.
The vans will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily at the following locations until further notice:
- Cape Coral: Walmart Supercenter, 1619 Del Prado Boulevard South, Cape Coral, FL
- Bonita Springs: Bonita Springs Public Library, 2687 Pine Ave., Bonita Springs, FL
- Fort Myers: Walmart Supercenter, 17105 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers, FL
- Port Charlotte: Walmart Neighborhood Market (Charlotte Square) at 2150 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL
Verizon Wireless Emergency Connection Centers
Consumer and small business customers in the following counties will continue to receive unlimited calling, texting, and mobile data through Oct. 31, 2022, in Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Hardee, Lee, and Sarasota counties.
Verizon has deployed three Wireless Emergency Connection Centers (WECCs) to assist Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian with wi-fi, phone batteries, and charging stations.
These stations are available to any customer of any carrier stay connected. WECCs are available at the following locations:
- Port Charlotte Town Center Mall, 1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL (open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
- Fort Myers Town Hall, 2525 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL (open 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
- Lakes Regional Library 15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL (open 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
- Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, 10360 Stringfellow Rd, St James City, FL (open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily)
AT&T Waiving Overage Charges
AT&T is waiving talk, text, and data overage charges for AT&T Postpaid & PREPAID customers with billing addresses in 828 zip codes across Florida through October 28, 2022 to keep customers connected.
AT&T is welcoming other carriers’ customers to roam on its networks so they can connect, even if their carrier’s service isn’t available after the storm.
