Starlink Offers Free Service To Helene Impacted Areas

The FCC often grants such emergency temporary approvals during disasters to help restore wireless and internet services.

Starlink is offering free services to those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has allowed Elon Musk’s SpaceX and T-Mobile to enable Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capability to provide coverage for cell phones in areas of North Carolina hard-hit by Helene.

The FCC often grants such emergency temporary approvals during disasters to help restore wireless and internet services in badly impacted areas and to allow for testing.

An FCC spokesperson said 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.”