SpaceX And T-Mobile Gain Approval To Restore Communications In Hurricane-Stricken North Carolina

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the FCC has authorized SpaceX and T-Mobile to activate Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite service in hard-hit areas of North Carolina. This emergency approval aims to restore communications for thousands of residents who lost cellphone service after the hurricane.

The FCC frequently issues temporary approvals for companies to assist in disaster recovery. An FCC spokesperson confirmed the agency’s commitment to restoring wireless and internet services, stating, “We stand ready to do all that is necessary to return connectivity to hard-hit areas and save lives.”

SpaceX revealed that its Starlink satellites have been activated to broadcast emergency alerts directly to cellphones across various networks. In addition, the company is testing basic texting capabilities for users on T-Mobile’s network, helping provide a lifeline for those without traditional cell service.

Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to North Carolina’s communication infrastructure, leaving over 74% of the state’s cell towers offline. However, as of October 6, the number of downed towers has dropped to 17%, with crews continuing to work on restoring services. T-Mobile has also made significant progress, stating that less than 1% of its network remains affected by the disaster.

While Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite network is still in its early stages, T-Mobile explained that deploying the technology in a disaster zone, even in a testing phase, could significantly assist in recovery efforts. “We felt that getting this early test version into the hands of people on the ground could provide vital support,” the company said.

The partnership between SpaceX and T-Mobile, first announced in 2022, aims to eventually provide mobile users with continuous satellite-based cell service, beginning with texting and expanding to voice and data capabilities in the coming years.