Starlink activates emergency phone service via satellite for Hurricane Milton victims
SpaceX has been granted temporary permission to provide space communications for T-Mobile customers in Florida who may lose cellular service due to Hurricane Milton. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted SpaceX a special 15-day temporary permit to cover the hurricane's path.
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SpaceX said it has activated basic text services on T-Mobile phones in the affected areas, as well as more than 100 direct communications satellites to deliver emergency alerts to all phones and carriers in those areas. The decision follows a similar authorisation issued after Hurricane Helen caused cellular outages in North Carolina. In addition, SpaceX delivered more than 10,000 Starlink kits to help restore connectivity.
SpaceX also offered a free month of Starlink broadband internet service to the affected areas, not including the cost of equipment and delivery. The measure expands satellite communications capabilities similar to those provided by Globalstar for the latest iPhone models.
SpaceX and other satellite operators such as AST SpaceMobile and Lynk Global are seeking FCC approval to use the frequencies to connect mass devices from space on a commercial basis. An FCC spokesperson said the commission is prepared to do whatever is necessary to restore connectivity to the affected areas and save lives.
