The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted permission for SpaceX and T-Mobile to operate Starlink Direct-to-Cellular (aka Starlink Cellular) over areas in Hurricane Milton’s projected path.
SpaceX and T-Mobile asked for a second Special Temporary Authority (STA) from the FCC to extend Starlink Cellular’s services over areas that could be be by Hurricane Milton. Starlik Direct-to-Cellular already received permission to operate in areas hit by Hurricane Helene.
Starlink Cellular will provide wireless emergency alerts and SMS to areas within Hurricane Milton’s projected path. SpaceX and T-Mobile cellular services will also enable people to text 911.
In addition to the thousands (>10k) of Starlink kits we are delivering in response to Hurricane Helene, the @Starlink team and @TMobile activated our Direct to Cell satellites to provide emergency alerts for all phones and carriers of those in affected areas.
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 8, 2024
The @FCC has also…
“Late last week the teams at T-Mobile and Starlink asked for and received Special Temporary Authority (STA) from the FCC to operate our T-Mobile Starlink Direct-to-Cellular service over parts of North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. T-Mobile and Starlink have once again asked for and received STA from the FCC to do the same for areas in Florida affected by Hurricane Milton.
“In these areas, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are on and the teams have enabled basic texting (SMS), including the ability to text 911. While SpaceX’s direct-to-cell constellation has not been fully deployed, this early test version could provide vital support as teams work to get infrastructure and services back online and help first responders with rescue efforts,” noted T-Mobile.
Hurricane Milton picked up strength as it approached Florida, making it a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 160 mph. It is expected to weaken before hitting Florida but double in size, meaning it will impact a larger area. Hurricane Milton is expected to hit Florida’s Central Gulf Coast on Wednesday, October 9. Its eye and eyeball may hit the Tampa area.
A few locals have reported seeing floods before Milton’s arrival. Local authorities are encouraging people to evacuate while they still can.
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