News Summary

Hatteras Island faced a significant communication crisis due to damage to a fiber optic cable, which disrupted internet services and 911 emergency calls. Local officials expressed concerns about the island’s reliance on a single cable for all communications, highlighting vulnerabilities in emergency services. Efforts to enhance infrastructure are ongoing, with county officials advocating for backup systems and funding for improvements as temporary solutions are deployed to assist during outages.

Hatteras Island Faces Communication Crisis After Fiber Optic Cable Damage Sparks 911 Outage

Hatteras Island, NC – On July 22, Hatteras Island experienced a significant communication outage due to damage to a fiber optic cable owned by Brightspeed. This incident disrupted internet services and rendered 911 call capabilities inoperative for several hours, raising alarm among residents and local officials about the region’s communication infrastructure.

The outage highlights ongoing concerns regarding the reliability of communication services in Dare County’s remote areas, where both residents and visitors depend heavily on connectivity for emergencies and daily activities. Dare County officials have emphasized the island’s vulnerability, as it relies on a single underground fiber optic line for all its communication services. This dependency makes the area notably susceptible to disruptions caused by various factors, including construction, storms, and equipment failures.

County Officials React to the Outage

Bob Woodard, the Chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners, expressed frustration over the outage, particularly noting the loss of 911 capabilities. County authorities have been advocating for improvements to the communication infrastructure for some time. The current state of Hatteras Island’s communications system is concerning, especially considering that service providers in the area are dependent on one fiber optic line.

In response to the difficulties posed by the outage, Brightspeed has activated a microwave link to support landline calls, but this workaround does not extend to wireless and internet services. Brightspeed has acknowledged the need for improved communication reliability and is exploring options for establishing a submarine fiber line to bolster service consistency in the region.

Efforts for Infrastructure Improvement

Dare County officials have been pressing Brightspeed and national wireless carriers to develop a backup communication system for several years, citing the urgent need for a robust infrastructure. Earlier, Brightspeed estimated the cost of implementing a redundancy plan through a fiber loop beneath Pamlico Sound at $13 million. However, recent evaluations have indicated that connecting Outer Banks communities to the mainland could cost around $22 million.

Despite efforts to secure necessary funding, Brightspeed faced setbacks. The company has applied for a federal middle-mile grant to support communications improvements but was denied. In the meantime, Dare County is working with North Carolina legislators to seek budget allocations for the fiber project in upcoming state budgets.

Temporary Solutions and Community Advocacy

In a proactive measure, Dare County recently secured a $422,728 grant aimed at deploying mobile cell towers across Hatteras Island to establish temporary emergency communication solutions. These mobile towers have been set up at various fire stations on the island to facilitate 911 calls during outages, although they are not intended as a permanent fix.

Residents and visitors have been encouraged to reach out to their internet and wireless service providers, particularly Brightspeed, to advocate for improved service and emergency protections vital for public safety. Drew Pearson, the Director of Dare County Emergency Management, indicated that resolution efforts could not rely solely on county initiatives and would require active community engagement.

Ongoing Challenges for Local Businesses

The recurring communication failures have raised ongoing concerns among local business owners and residents about the feasibility of maintaining essential services on Hatteras Island. As county officials strive to address these deficiencies, they have invited Brightspeed to provide periodic updates on the progress related to enhancing communication infrastructure.

In conclusion, the recent communication outage on Hatteras Island outlined vulnerabilities in the region’s communication infrastructure and has prompted officials to advocate for urgent enhancements. As the county continues to seek both immediate solutions and long-term improvements, the collaboration between local authorities, service providers, and community members will be instrumental in ensuring a reliable communication system for all who depend on it.

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Hatteras Island’s Economic Impact on Dare County
State of Emergency Declared in North Carolina as Tropical Storm Debby Approaches

Additional Resources

• 13 News Now
• WTKR
• WTKR
• Ocracoke Observer
• Wavy
• Wikipedia: Telecommunication in the United States
• Google Search: Hatteras Island Communication Outage
• Google Scholar: Hatteras Island Communication Outage
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Communication
• Google News: Hatteras Island Communication Issues

Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.