Deploying 300 Starlink Units after Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian, one of the largest hurricanes to ever hit Florida, struck the southeast coast with Category 4 force, bringing winds exceeding 150 miles per hour and devastating storm surges of 10-15 feet. The impact was catastrophic, displacing residents, causing extensive damage, and leaving many areas without cell reception or Wi-Fi infrastructure. In response to the crisis, the Chief Information Officer of Florida reached out to Stonehill for assistance in the recovery efforts.

Stonehill swiftly mobilized its team, deploying employees to the state capitol to collaborate with the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Recognizing the urgent need for communication capabilities, Stonehill facilitated the donation of over 300 Starlink units from SpaceX to provide high-speed satellite internet. The team worked diligently to analyze drone footage and map the affected areas, identifying locations where the Starlink units could be effectively deployed. They then secured additional resources to cover gaps in connectivity, creating a comprehensive network using both existing infrastructure and mobile Starlink units.

With the coverage map in place, Stonehill developed standard operating procedures for setting up, operating, and packing away the Starlink units, and also designed branding for the mobile units to make them easily identifiable. These efforts ensured that the cities of Sanibel, Captiva, Pine Island, and surrounding areas received critical connectivity. Stonehill is proud to have contributed to the recovery efforts, supporting both individuals and first responders during this challenging time.