SpaceX and T-Mobile are teaming up to provide vital communication support to areas facing the wrath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The companies have activated their innovative Direct-to-Cell coverage, powered by Starlink satellites, ensuring emergency alerts reach every phone user in affected regions. This crucial initiative will allow those in the path of these storms to stay connected, send messages to loved ones, contact emergency services, and receive life-saving alerts.
When a phone connects to a Starlink satellite, it will display “T-Mobile SpaceX” as the network and show one or two bars of signal. While messages might not always go through on the first try, users can simply retry to ensure their communication is successful. The service operates on a best-effort basis and works best outdoors, often functioning even indoors near a window.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the service for both Hurricane Helene-affected areas and Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton’s arrival. As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s west coast, it is expected to make landfall late Wednesday near Tampa as a Category 3 storm. The storm is predicted to bring devastating hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall.
SpaceX has already delivered over 10,000 Starlink kits to aid in restoring connectivity in Hurricane Helene-impacted regions, and the company continues to prioritize assisting those in need. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell expressed her gratitude to the FCC for their swift approval, recognizing the crucial role this technology plays in helping those impacted by the hurricanes. She also confirmed that emergency alerts, including evacuation notices, have already been sent via the Starlink network. This initiative demonstrates the power of technology in supporting communities facing natural disasters and providing essential communication during times of crisis.
