Approved Starlink's direct-to-mobile satellite service for areas affected by Hurricane Helene.
Satellites are issuing emergency alerts across all networks.
The Federal Communications Commission has granted SpaceX and T-Mobile temporary approval to offer direct cellular service using Starlink satellites in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. These satellites have already been activated and have begun transmitting emergency alerts to mobile phones across all networks in North Carolina. Additionally, basic SMS messaging capabilities could be tested for most cell phones on the T-Mobile network in that state.
It is important to note that the constellation of satellites providing this direct cellular service is not yet fully deployed, so all services will be provided on a best-efforts basis. Hurricane Helene has caused massive flooding, creating extensive "cut-off zones," particularly in North Carolina, where communications remain severely affected across the southeastern United States. Recent FCC graphics indicate that while the situation has improved, significant disconnections persist in some areas.
The first batch of satellites from SpaceX and T-Mobile for the direct cellular service was launched in January, although they have faced opposition from companies like AT&T and Verizon. These companies have expressed their concerns to the FCC, arguing that satellite signals could interfere with their cellular networks.
