
The Federal Communications Commission has granted emergency approval for SpaceX and T-Mobile to activate Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite coverage in areas of North Carolina devastated by Hurricane Helene. The approval comes as efforts to restore communications and provide relief to the impacted communities continue.
The FCC has a history of granting temporary permissions during natural disasters to facilitate the recovery of wireless and internet services. An FCC spokesperson reiterated the agency’s dedication to assisting the recovery efforts, stating, “We are committed to doing everything necessary to return connectivity to the hardest-hit areas and save lives.”
SpaceX confirmed that its Starlink satellites are now broadcasting emergency alerts to cellphones on all networks across affected areas. The company has also initiated testing of text messaging services on T-Mobile’s network, which could prove essential for those without access to standard communication infrastructure.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, over 74% of cell towers were knocked out of service in parts of North Carolina. As of October 6, that number has dropped to 17%, thanks to the ongoing restoration efforts. T-Mobile also reported that nearly its entire network in the region has been restored, with fewer than 1% of sites still down.
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr highlighted that while Starlink’s direct-to-cell constellation is still being developed, this early-stage deployment could help address the urgent need for communication services in the disaster zones. Carr also emphasized the importance of managing expectations, noting that this version of Starlink is still in the testing phase.
This collaboration between SpaceX and T-Mobile marks an important step in the future of satellite-based cell service. Announced in 2022, the companies plan to offer continuous mobile coverage via satellite, with emergency use cases like this demonstrating the system’s potential.