Starlink and T-Mobile Provide Satellite-to-Cell Service to Aid Hurricane Helene Relief
SpaceX's Starlink service and T-Mobile have been granted temporary emergency capabilities to give those affected by the storm access to mobile coverage via satellites.
Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite service approved for areas hit by Hurricane Helene
The FCC has granted a temporary clearance for Starlink’s direct-to-cell service, which could include testing text via satellite for T-Mobile customers in North Carolina.
FCC lets Starlink provide service to cell phones in areas hit by hurricane
Starlink is being used to provide wireless emergency alerts to cell phones from all carriers in North Carolina, according to Ben Longmier, senior director of satellite engineering for SpaceX. "We are also closely monitoring Hurricane Milton and standing by ready to take action in Florida," he wrote.
Starlinks Direct-to-Cell Service Temporarily Approved
In August 2022, T-Mobile and Starlink announced an effort to eliminate dead zones in cellular coverage with the first direct-to-cell service using parts of T-Mobile’s mid-band PCS spectrum. SpaceX launched its first batch of second-generation Starlink satellites that can send cellular signals from space to smartphones in January 2024.
FCC gives go-ahead to T-Mobile US, Starlink for direct-to-cellular service as part of Helene response
T-Mobile US and Starlink received permission from the FCC to make D2C connectivity available in areas of North Carolina hard-hit by Helene.
FCC allows T-Mobile and SpaceX to launch satellite service in Helene-hit areas
Cell phones on all networks will get emergency alerts while T-Mobile users will also be able to send and receive text messages.
FCC Approves Emergency Cellular Starlink Service for Hurricane Helene Victims
Starlink's direct-to-cell satellite service for emergency alerts goes online in North Carolina as Florida braces for Hurricane Milton this week.
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