SpaceX Presents Starlink Direct To Cell Services For Victims Of Helene Storm
JAKARTA SpaceX, along with the American wireless operator T-Mobile, has submitted an Emergency SOS service through the Direct to Cell program last August. This service finally got approval.
However, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) only gave temporary approval to SpaceX and T-Mobile to help the community in North Carolina. These two companies can bring Direct to Cells to help victims of Hurricane Helene.
The FCC, through platform X, states that the permits granted to SpaceX are part of their commitments. The US institution wants to assist the country in restoring North Carolina, including in providing support for communication infrastructure.
"We remain committed to assisting recovery efforts in the state affected by Hurricane Helene. We are ready to do everything necessary to restore connectivity to areas that are seriously affected and save lives," the FCC said.
In the comments column, SpaceX owner Elon Musk expressed his appreciation for the FCC's actions. Musk feels grateful that the FCC was able to speed up granting permits to help Hurricane Helene victims in North Carolina.
After obtaining permission from the FCC, SpaceX explained that they had activated satellite services for Direct to Cell in North Carolina. In fact, they have broadcast an emergency warning to all mobile phones on the North Carolina network
"Constellation directly to SpaceX mobile has not been fully implemented, so all services will be delivered based on the best efforts," SpaceX said. "We may test the ability to send basic text messages (SMS) for most mobile phones on the T-Mobile network in North Carolina."