US lets Starlink provide direct-to-cell coverage for hurricane-hit areas

Source: Reuters

October 6, 2024 6:38 PM EDT Updated 12 hours ago


WASHINGTON, Oct 6 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Sunday allowed Elon Musk's SpaceX and T Mobile (TMUS.O) to enable Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability to provide coverage for cellphones in areas of North Carolina hard-hit by Hurricane Helene. The FCC often grants such emergency temporary approvals during disasters to help restore wireless and internet services in badly impacted areas and to allow for testing.

An FCC spokesperson said on Sunday that the agency remains "committed to helping with recovery efforts in states affected by Hurricane Helene. We stand ready to do all that is necessary to return connectivity to hard-hit areas and save lives." SpaceX said the satellites "have already been enabled and started broadcasting emergency alerts to cellphones on all networks in North Carolina."

The company said it may "test basic texting (SMS) capabilities for most cell phones on the T-Mobile network in North Carolina." On Sept. 28, more than 74% of cell towers were out of service in disaster-impacted areas of North Carolina due to the devastation caused by Helene. The FCC said on Sunday that figure has fallen to 17% as crews work to restore service.

"While SpaceX's direct-to-cell constellation has not been fully deployed, we felt that getting even this early test version into the hands of people on the ground could provide vital support as teams work to get infrastructure and services back online and help first responders with rescue efforts," T Mobile said on Sunday.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-lets-starlink-provide-direct-to-cell-coverage-hurricane-hit-areas-2024-10-06/