Spectrum keeps WiFi hotspots open, stages for quick repairs after Hurricane Milton

TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 9, 2024) — Spectrum announced Wednesday that nearly 45,000 Spectrum WiFi hotspots will remain open to the public across Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. These access points were initially made available on Sept. 26 ahead of Hurricane Helene and will stay open in areas expected to be affected, including Tampa, Orlando, Bradenton, St. Petersburg, and Melbourne.

Residents can locate the hotspots by visiting spectrum.com/wifihotspots .

Spectrum is also providing resources to help customers stay informed before, during, and after the storm. Spectrum Bay News 9 in Tampa Bay and Spectrum News 13 in Orlando are delivering 24/7 live news coverage, accessible online and through the Spectrum News app, which remains open to all users during the storm.

To help Floridians prepare, Spectrum has made available a Hurricane Supply Checklist. The company will also notify customers if their services are impacted, with regular updates available at Spectrum.net/Milton .

Pre-Storm Preparations Underway

Spectrum is mobilizing resources and personnel to respond quickly once Hurricane Milton passes. Technicians and engineers are pre-positioned in strategic locations to assess damage and start repairs once it is safe to enter affected areas. The company’s restoration process is closely coordinated with local power companies to prioritize network repairs as soon as power is restored.

With a commitment to quick mobilization, Spectrum has more than 1,000 technicians and engineers—including support teams from other states—on standby. The company’s Regional Operations Center is monitoring network performance in real time, providing a proactive approach to dispatching repair crews. Spectrum has also pre-stocked equipment, tools, and portable generators at regional facilities to ensure a swift response.

“We take an all-hands-on-deck approach,” a Spectrum spokesperson said, noting that regional leadership will operate from a central command center to gather information and make real-time decisions during and after the hurricane.

Spectrum is also working with Florida state and local government agencies, including coordination with the Governor’s response teams, to expedite service restoration.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.