FCC Approves Starlink's Emergency Satellite Service for Hurricane Helene Relief

SpaceX and T-Mobile receive temporary authorization to provide direct-to-cell coverage in devastated areas of North Carolina.

The FCC has granted SpaceX and T-Mobile temporary authority to use Starlink satellites for emergency phone coverage in areas affected by Hurricane Helene.
Starlink satellites are broadcasting emergency alerts and testing basic SMS capabilities for T-Mobile users in North Carolina.
Despite partial deployment, the service aims to restore connectivity in regions where communication infrastructure was severely damaged.
The initiative leverages Starlink's existing satellite network to provide coverage without additional ground infrastructure.
SpaceX plans to extend this service to other hurricane-impacted areas, with ongoing efforts to fill coverage gaps.