SpaceX and T-Mobile have been granted emergency approval by the FCC to activate Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite system in North Carolina, where Hurricane Helene has left large portions of the state without communication services. The move aims to help restore vital cell service and assist with rescue efforts in the disaster zone.
The FCC frequently issues temporary approvals during emergencies to aid recovery efforts. In a statement, an FCC spokesperson reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to assisting states affected by Hurricane Helene, saying, “We stand ready to do all that is necessary to return connectivity to hard-hit areas and save lives.”
SpaceX announced that its Starlink satellites are already providing emergency alerts to cellphones across all networks in the affected areas. The company has also begun testing text messaging capabilities on T-Mobile’s network, offering hope to those still without standard cellphone service.
Hurricane Helene knocked out over 74% of cell towers in parts of North Carolina, but as of October 6, that number had fallen to 17% as crews worked to restore services. T-Mobile’s network is nearly fully operational in the affected areas, with fewer than 1% of sites still offline due to particularly difficult conditions.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr emphasized that while Starlink’s full satellite constellation is not yet operational, the early deployment of this technology could make a meaningful impact on recovery efforts. Carr warned that the system is still in a testing phase, but the decision to use it was driven by the urgent need for communication in the hurricane-ravaged areas.
T-Mobile and SpaceX announced their partnership in 2022, with plans to roll out full mobile coverage via satellite over the next few years. Though still under development, the deployment of Starlink in emergencies like Hurricane Helene showcases its potential to revolutionize disaster response.
