US lets Starlink provide direct-to-cell coverage for hurricane-hit areas
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Sunday allowed Elon Musk's SpaceX and T Mobile to enable Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability to provide coverage for cellphones in areas of North Carolina hard-hit by Hurricane Helene.
An FCC spokesperson said on Sunday that the agency remains"committed to helping with recovery efforts in states affected by Hurricane Helene. We stand ready to do all that is necessary to return connectivity to hard-hit areas and save lives." On Sept. 28, more than 74% of cell towers were out of service in disaster-impacted areas of North Carolina due to the devastation caused by Helene. The FCC said on Sunday that figure has fallen to 17% as crews work to restore service.
The company added that its"network is almost fully restored along affected regions, with less than 1% of network sites in specific areas where conditions remain particularly challenging not connected."Carr added that"it is important to manage expectations here. Starlink does not have a full constellation of direct-to-cell satellites in space yet. ... Starlink is giving this a shot nonetheless to help address the serious need for connectivity in these disaster areas.
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