In response to the catastrophic impacts of Hurricane Milton, SpaceX’s Starlink and T-Mobile have rapidly deployed emergency communication services to aid those in the hurricane-affected areas. In addition to the thousands of Starlink kits already delivered for Hurricane Helene relief, the Starlink team, in partnership with T-Mobile, has activated its “Direct to Cell” satellites, providing emergency alerts to all phones and carriers in the storm’s path.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has also granted emergency special temporary authority to expand coverage across Florida in preparation for the hurricane. As Hurricane Milton barrels toward the Gulf Coast, this vital communication lifeline is being implemented to ensure residents can stay connected, even as traditional infrastructure is compromised.
The service now enables basic texting (SMS) for T-Mobile users in hurricane-affected regions, allowing them to text loved ones, call 911, and receive emergency alerts. Text messages have already been successfully sent and received using this system. Phones that connect to Starlink satellites will display “T-Mobile SpaceX” in the network name, with 1 to 2 bars of signal. Users are advised to retry sending texts manually if the messages do not go through immediately, as the system operates on a best-effort basis.
While the service works best outdoors, it may also work indoors near windows. This initiative offers a critical communication bridge for those in disaster-stricken areas, ensuring that people can access emergency services and stay in touch during the storm.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, this innovative solution will provide much-needed support, allowing residents to remain connected in the face of potentially life-threatening conditions.
