Ilon Musk announced free access to emergency services from mobile phones via Starlink satellites
Ilon Musk announced that Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, will provide free emergency SOS services worldwide. Unlike Apple and Google, which offer satellite communications as a premium service, Starlink plans to make the feature available to all smartphone users. This will allow people in remote and unpopulated areas to contact emergency services even if they are not connected to a cellular network.
Here's What We Know
Today, smartphones are dependent on cell towers, which limits their functionality in hard-to-reach places. Starlink, with more than 6,000 satellites in orbit, offers global broadband connectivity, bringing internet access to even the most remote corners of the planet. Earlier this year, SpaceX launched Direct to Cell service with T-Mobile, allowing text messages, calls and data to be shared around the world.
After thinking it through, SpaceX Starlink will provide emergency services access for mobile phones for people in distress for free.
- Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 27, 2024
This applies worldwide, subject to approval by country governments.
Can't have a situation where someone dies because they forgot or were unable....
Starlink's global emergency SOS will require approval from each country. However, given that the service only connects users to emergency services, the approval process could be simplified. Musk emphasised that no one should die due to not being able to pay for emergency communications.
Source: @elonmusk
