Link: Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite service approved for areas hit by Hurricane Helene

The Federal Communications Commission has conditionally approved SpaceX and T-Mobile's direct-to-cell service via Starlink satellites for regions affected by Hurricane Helene. This new service has begun broadcasting emergency alerts across all mobile networks in North Carolina.

SpaceX may start testing basic SMS capabilities for T-Mobile users in the area impacted by the hurricane. However, as SpaceX's constellation isn't fully operational, these services are provided on a best-effort basis.

Hurricane Helene caused severe flooding, leading to extensive communication blackouts, especially in North Carolina. According to recent FCC charts, although there has been some improvement, significant outages continue.

SpaceX and T-Mobile launched their first direct-to-cell satellites earlier this year, aiming to enhance connectivity in crisis-hit zones. Despite this progress, competitors like AT&T and Verizon have raised concerns about potential signal interference.

These competitors have formally expressed their worries to the FCC, fearing that the satellite signals might disrupt their network services. SpaceX and T-Mobile are addressing these concerns as they advance their satellite technology.#

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