By Wes Davis
The Federal Communications Commission has given SpaceX and T-Mobile temporary approval for direct-to-cell service using Starlink satellites in areas affected by Hurricane Helene,
SpaceX:
The satellites have already been enabled and started broadcasting emergency alerts to cell phones on all networks in North Carolina. In addition, we may test basic texting (SMS) capabilities for most cell phones on the T-Mobile network in North Carolina.
SpaceX’s direct-to-cell constellation has not been fully deployed, so all services will be delivered on a best-effort basis.
The massive flooding from Hurricane Helene created swaths of “blackout zones,” particularly in North Carolina, and communications continue to be heavily impacted throughout the southeast region of the US. Charts published by the FCC in recent days show that while the situation has been improved, there remain significant outages in some areas.
SpaceX and T-Mobile’s first direct-to-cell satellites launched in January, but there has been opposition from companies like AT&T and Verizon. They complained to the FCC that the satellites’ signals may interfere with their cellular networks.
SpaceX and @TMobile have been given emergency special temporary authority by the @FCC to enable @Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability to provide coverage for cell phones in the affected areas of Hurricane Helene.
The satellites have already been enabled and…
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 6, 2024
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
This article originally appeared here and was republished with permission.
